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Wisdom in the Age of Information

Wisdom in the Age of Information

“We live in a world awash of information, but we seem to face a growing scarcity of wisdom. And what’s worse, we confuse the two.” - Maria Popova, Brain Pickings

by Erika Block

I've been a long-time reader of Brain Pickings, a blog that embodies the best of what the internet can be when it's used to share ideas and provide context and back stories through hyperlinks. Maria Popova has been reading and writing about books, the human condition, science, poetry, and the universe  for more than a decade.

She connects books and ideas and big thinkers through essays that require time to digest, all the while optimizing her work for the web and taking advantage of links to provide further depth and exploration - and also to reconnect readers with earlier posts that may have new relevance.

Brain Pickings is also a pioneer in a new model of publishing, having built a business through what Popova calls a labor of love. It provides completely free content but requests pay-what-you-can contributions from readers. (Disclosure: Sticky Lab is just getting started along this path.)

There's no one better suited to discuss Wisdom in the Age of Information than Maria.

Read the essay:

Wisdom in the Age of Information and the Importance of Storytelling in Making Sense of the World: An Animated Essay
Thoughts on navigating the open sea of knowledge.

Learn more:

The Source of Self-Regard: Toni Morrison on Wisdom in the Age of Information
“We move from data to information to knowledge to wisdom. And separating one from the other… knowing the limitations and the danger of exercising one without the others, while respectin…
Recommended Reading
A Velocity of Being: Illustrated Letters to Children about Why We Read by 121 of the Most Inspiring Humans in Our World
A labor of love 8 years in the making, featuring contributions by Jane Goodall, Yo-Yo Ma, Jacqueline Woodson, Ursula K. Le Guin, Mary Oliver, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer, Rebecca Solnit, Elizabeth G…
A gorgeous bonus - Popova edited this book of beautiful letters and art to inspire readers. One of the best gifts you'll find for the young readers in your life, or for yourself.