086 Dr. Dilip Jeste: Defining Wisdom

We usually know wisdom when we see it.  But how do we define it?  What exactly is it?

Today’s guest, Dr. Dilip Jeste, University of California San Diego College of Medicine, a renowned neuropsychiatrist who studies aging, discusses the concept of wisdom and how it relates to aging and age discrimination.  His research group has developed an instrument to measure wisdom and he discusses with Therese the regions of the brain where wisdom resides. They also discuss the “Grandmother Hypothesis” and the very solid evidence for the benefits for children and teenagers of having an older adult in the home.

 Key Takeaways:

• Older adults should be valued in the workplace for the stability and judgment they bring and the fact that younger workers learn a lot from participating in a transgenerational workplace.
• Wisdom is complex and comprised of compassion, empathy, tolerance of diverse views, and the ability to be introspective.
• Wisdom components reside primarily in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of the brain.
• Wisdom can be improved when people learn from their experiences and develop compassion.
• Dr. Jeste’s new book “Wiser”, which defines wisdom and provides insights as to how we develop wisdom,  can be purchased in book stores and various sites such as Amazon.

"For wisdom, one of the most important components of wisdom is empathy and compassion. It is not only useful for oneself, is not only useful for improving your own wellbeing, it is also useful for the society." —  Dr. Dilip Jeste

Connect with Dr. Dilip Jeste:

UCSD Bio: profiles.ucsd.edu/dilip.jeste  

Book: amazon.com/Wiser-Scientific-Roots-Wisdom-Compassion/dp/1683644638

Website: wiserthebook.com

TedMed: tedmed.com/speakers/show?id=526374

Connect with Therese:

Website:   www.criticallyspeaking.net

Twitter: @CritiSpeak

Email: [email protected]

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