The Power of Farsight and Foresight that entails wisdom; A Quiet Strength in an Age of Noise

In a world increasingly driven by immediacy, marked by breaking news, social media storms, and geopolitical upheavals, public reactions and outcries are significantly influencing minds. The havoc wrought by these factors, whether due to political factors or a frenzy, is really unfortunate. Wars, market disruptions, and social media upheavals are tearing communities apart, often drowned out by rhetoric and impulsive reactions based on unmeritorious conclusions.

The lessons from these episodes are not new; many argue that they represent inherent societal evils that are as old as civilization itself. Yet, in the heat of the moment, people often forget these lessons. For instance, during the recent outbreak of war in the region, there was a surge of social media activity and news coverage, resulting in a media overload.

Despite the public outcry and overindulgence, I remained calm and composed. People may wonder why I had such an indifferent reaction. Why was I so muted in my response? I asked myself how I could remain disconnected amidst the public euphoria. Perhaps it was the strength of my resilient mind and a deep understanding of life gained through introspection and wisdom. 

I attribute this to the power of wisdom, which allows one to absorb experiences by envisioning and assimilating facts while differentiating between reality and rhetoric. Time and again, I observe how logic and common sense often get lost in the din, where emotional outbursts and narratives with reactive assumptions dominate public reactions. Unfortunately, in this frenzy, those who approach situations with calm anticipation and gained wisdom are either sidelined or ridiculed. Yes, I recognize that wisdom carries a unique burden as those who possess it are frequently isolated and criticized for their caution or measured responses. They may be perceived as having detached postures, as they refuse to act on reckless opinions. I want people to understand that “wisdom often travels alone before it becomes a path for others to follow”. It is in this measured and often solitary disciplined practice of farsight and foresight that true wisdom resides. 

This perspective emphasizes that wisdom encompasses both farsight and foresight. Farsight encourages us to zoom out and view today’s events in the context of historical and current facts. It challenges us not to get too embroiled in news cycles but to instead observe, absorb, listen, and contemplate. Farsightedness is a paradigm of wisdom that involves not only looking ahead but also seeing through the surface. It requires reading between the lines, rather than just focusing on the headlines. Therefore, farsightedness is the mental posture of someone who stands firm amid popular tirade, choosing to think long-term rather than being loud and reactive.

On the other hand, foresight pertains not to prediction but to preparation and the intellectual ability to foresee outcomes. While we may not know the future, we hold the responsibility to prepare for it by embodying the skills and knowledge that help differentiate between reality and noise. It is about striking a balance between emotion and intellect, urgency and wisdom. It is about leading without being swayed by the loudest voice in the room.

History reminds us of the role our leaders play in this context, where power is gained through wisdom. Take prominent figures like Lincoln, Mandela, or Gandhi; they never pandered to mob instincts. Instead, they engaged with their followers through restraint, moral anchoring, and long-term thinking. They understood that time is a patient judge and that history often favors those who choose principles over panic.

As a basic human instinct, we are wired to respond to immediate threats, though each of us reacts differently. However, the tragedy of today’s world is that this instinct is increasingly manipulated by news and social media algorithms that sensationalize narratives. These media algorithms prioritize outrage and exploit our vulnerabilities, along with leaders and influencers who gain power by polarizing or captivating their audiences for self-interest.  

In such an ecosystem, I emphasize the need for individuals to embrace wisdom. This is essential for self-introspection. In moments of unrest, embracing wisdom can feel counterintuitive; while others may act on impulse, the farsighted may appear slow, indifferent, or even cowardly. But true courage lies not in raging against the turmoil, but in resisting it and rising above it. It is about embracing peace amid provocation, ensuring that we not only win the moment but also secure it for the future.

Let this be a call not to those who shout, but to those who reflect, to those who resist easy conclusions, and instead ask better questions.

Ultimately, the choice is ours: we can either imprison ourselves in the realm of the moment or take charge of what comes next. Amidst this chaos lies opportunity, and that opportunity belongs not to the reactive but to the worldly wise.