The meaning of philosophy is (philia) love of (sophia) wisdom. But it has evolved in a different direction. Today, philosophy deals with the underlying ideas and concepts of our world. What are the axioms of our universe and what does it mean to have them. What is God and if so, how many?

But wisdom is of a different character. Wisdom is applied. It is interested in how to go through life smartly. It is not interested in the basic truths. It claims that to look for them is to blow in the wind. The ancient Greek philosophies were mostly true philosophies. So, Stoicism is hardly a topic in philosophy today, but in coaching it is very much so. Dealing with emotions and things that are out of our control is of greatest interest to a wise person, but impure to a modern philosopher. It mixes ideas with feelings. Our world today is sadly undernourished in wisdom. There is hardly an influencer known for wisdom. Scientists, motivational speakers and idols are known.

Scientists disseminate facts. Occasionally, they dip their toes in the water of wisdom, but feel committed to their craft and therefore only give tips that are backed by studies.

Motivational speakers go in the direction of wisdom, but they have an unmistakable bias toward doing. They want to get people to do things, which is a subcategory of wisdom, but inappropriate at certain stages of life. Wisdom must also teach how to deal with given limitations. Where to break through them and where to accept them because maybe the limitations are even good. But such a thing does not go into the head of a motivational speaker.

Idols are individuals who are particularly beautiful or have achieved a lot. They can be studied and used by a wise person. They are like the North Star. They indicate a direction. An idol shows an extreme in terms of certain qualities. A wise person can study the idol for the characteristic. What is beauty? What is sporting success? But they themselves are not the messengers of wisdom but an object of study or imitation depending on the evaluation.