Defining wisdom has been a challenge in the world of psychology. This is because wisdom is valued in many fields of psychology including positive psychology (virtues and character strengths) and lifespan development (successful aging). The varying viewpoints between the fields make it challenging to create a definition that is accepted by every field. Despite not yet having an official definition that is accepted across all disciplines of psychology, Baltes' definition of wisdom has provided a deep understanding of wisdom.

Baltes' Definition of Wisdom

"Expert Knowledge concerning the fundamental pragmatics of life" 

What are 'fundamental pragmatics of life' according to Baltes?

"...Knowledge and judgement about the essence of the human condition and the ways and means of planning, managing, and understanding a good life."

Baltes suggests that knowing how humans think and act gives people the ability to understand alternative viewpoints on life's problems. This knowledge is formed from overcoming tough life situations. Baltes also suggests expert knowledge can be learned from wise teachers or texts. Wisdom becomes apparent when this knowledge is applied during problem solving. Wise people have the broad understanding of options and viewpoints needed to formulate the best possible solution to life's dilemmas.

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Origins of Wisdom
Baltes hypothesized a few areas from which wisdom is manifested:

• chronological age
• experience of a wide range of human conditions
• experience of being a tutor or mentor
• motivational dispositions (for example, generosity)

Baltes found that wisdom increases into the early twenties and stays pretty constant for the rest of your life, thus proving that chronological age is not directly correlated with the amount of one's wisdom. Nevertheless, people across all ages had been deemed wise in Baltes Berlin Wisdom Model experiments. 


For example, this wise 9 year old boy answers life's toughest questions better than some who are four times his age.