Knowledge and Wisdom: sense of proportion

In "Knowledge and Wisdom", Bertrand Russell says that wisdom requires a sense of proportion. By this he means the ability to take account of all the important factors in a problem and to give each one its due weight, instead of being swayed by a single narrow aspect.

Meaning

• A person with a sense of proportion sees the whole situation, not merely a part.
• He does not exaggerate the importance of immediate or personal matters and does not neglect those that are distant or less visible.
• He gives right weight to knowledge, feelings and consequences.

Why it matters

• Specialists. A specialist knows his own field very well but may ignore the effects of his work on human life as a whole. A scientist or technician without this sense may produce things that are harmful.
• Public affairs. In politics and technology, decisions affect many people. Only one who considers all factors can judge wisely.
• Private life. A wise person does not allow small troubles to dominate his life, because he sees them as small compared with the whole.

Relation to wisdom

Russell connects it with a comprehensive vision and freedom from the "tyranny of the here and the now". The wise person's outlook is broad and impartial. Therefore, as knowledge and skill increase, a sense of proportion becomes more necessary to guide their use for human good.