At a recent high school graduation, the class valedictorian spoke of the most important thing he had learned in 13 years of public education. Among his many classes and extracurricular activities, one moment in particular stood out. His teacher had just divided the class into groups for a project that they would work on—and be graded on—as teams rather than individually. Sensing the students’ distaste for this approach, the teacher preempted their complaints by explaining, “Get used to working in groups because, in the end, life is a group project.”

We all value our independence, and we like to believe that we alone control our destiny. But the fact is that in every setting of life—at home, in the office, in every aspect of life—we depend on and work with others. No one is ever truly alone or completely independent. A strictly personal accomplishment, if there is such a thing, is less meaningful than one that both builds and draws upon the abilities of others. Truly, we need each other. 

This doesn’t mean that working together always makes things easier. Group work is often more complicated than working alone. We have to navigate and negotiate different viewpoints, different talents, and different levels of commitment. We find that some would rather coast than contribute. Some seem to want more power and recognition; others just quietly roll up their sleeves and work hard. We learn to appreciate those with a positive outlook and helpful attitude. And we come to value the varied skills and perspectives that each person brings to the project. 

No, working in groups does not make a project easier, but it does make it better. In fact, we often find that the contributions of the team members not only improve the finished product, they improve each team member as well. We come away from the experience more patient, more understanding of others’ perspectives—just overall better human beings. And after all, isn’t that the “finished product” that really matters? 

Yes, a family, an organization, a community, even a nation is, in a sense, a group project. We each offer our part to accomplish worthwhile goals, to join together in common causes, and make life a little better for all of us.

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Wisdom is the quality of having knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise. However, Wisdom isn’t simply intelligence or knowledge or even understanding. It is experience and the ability to use these experiences to think and act in such a way that common sense prevails and choices are beneficial and productive.

Wisdom is profitable in practice. It is believed that the older you get, the wiser you become. This is because of the older you get the more experiences you gain in life. An old Ibo Nigeria adage says "What an old man sees sitting down, a young man cannot see even if he climes the tallest tree" this explains in volume why old age is regarded as an epitome of wisdom.

Wisdom and knowledge are frequent subjects in the Bible. They are related but not synonymous. One dictionary defines wisdom as “the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom cannot. Knowledge is the bedrock of wisdom. One can be knowledgeable and still be unwise. Knowledge is knowing how to use something; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when not to use it. Why do we need wisdom?

Proverbs tells “wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all they getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7. Perhaps this was the reason why King Solomon in the Bible chose to wisdom instead riches. “And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:” 2 Chronicles 1:11. How do one get wisdom?

In his letter to James, Apostle Paul advised “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. Again in Proverbs we read “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6. True wisdom comes from God as a gift to man. It is given to help. I am happy to learn that God gives this wisdom to all men liberally. The question is: are we seeking for it?

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The world in which we live is fiercely competitive—some would even say ruthless. The pressure to succeed, to get ahead, leads many to be aggressive, dominating, overpowering. And succeed they often do—in a sense. But there’s a different, even a better way to live and to succeed. It is, in a word, humility. Of course, humility is not a new idea, but it is getting renewed attention in—of all places—the hard-hitting business world. Recently several large, successful corporations have begun to prize humble leaders over the brash, overbearing kind. Humble leaders, they’ve found, “listen well, admit mistakes, and share the limelight.”1 They have helping hearts; they encourage teamwork and promote collaboration. They see themselves not as kings who issue orders but as coworkers in a worthwhile endeavor. Humble leaders see themselves authentically, with both strengths and weaknesses, and they recognize that leading others and serving them are not mutually exclusive efforts. One can be visionary and relentless, with the mind of a leader, and still be humble and teachable, with the heart of a servant. Company executives are finding that when they hire leaders who are humble and eager to improve, the entire company benefits. A culture of humility and cooperation spreads throughout the workforce, bringing out the best in everyone. But the humility must be sincere. In some ways, false modesty is worse than bold-faced arrogance because it is deceptive. By contrast, genuine humility comes from seeing things as they really are—recognizing that no one is superior to another, that we are each learning and growing as we go along. Some may be more gifted or talented, some may have had greater opportunities and more doors opened to them, but all have something to offer. All are worthy of dignity and respect. If this attitude can improve the corporate world, think about what it could do for our interactions in our homes and communities. Imagine what might happen if we listened a little better, admitted our errors, and stopped worrying about who gets credit. Humility just may be the key that unlocks the door to improved relations, stronger organizations, and happier lives. 1. Joann S. Lublin, “The Case for Humble Executives,” Wall Street Journal,Oct. 20, 2015.

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The choices we make not only shape our lives but, in a way, show on our face. We all know people who seem to have a light in their eyes, people who seem to light up a room. In most cases, it’s not their charisma but their character that impresses us—not their personality but their purity. The goodness of their lives is reflected on their countenance. They project the kind of confidence that comes from living with honor and integrity.
Paul Harvey, the famous radio commentator, put it this way after visiting the campus of a religious university known for its high moral standards. "Each... young face," he said, "mirrored a sort of... sublime assurance. These days many young eyes are prematurely old from countless compromises with con science. But [these young people] have that enviable head start which derives from discipline, dedication, and consecration.”1
Several years ago, a student was traveling abroad when her connecting plane was unexpectedly delayed overnight. Even though the airline made accommodations for the passengers’ overnight stay, the young woman felt frightened, alone, and unprepared. She looked around at the other passengers and noticed a young mother who seemed to radiate peace and confidence in spite of the stressful situation. The student approached her and asked for some guidance. They ate dinner together, and the young mother calmed her fears. The next morning when they boarded the plane at the same time, the student thanked the young mother for her kindness. The student explained, “Somehow I knew you would help me.”
We have all been blessed by people who radiate goodness, and we can be that person for someone else. Of course, none of us is perfect, but if we are honestly striving to live in a positive way, it will show in our face, in our eyes, and in our countenance. And thus we can be a source of light to those around us.
1. In James E. Faust, "The Light in Their Eyes," Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 20.

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Have you ever bumped into someone you knew years ago, surprised to find how much he or she had changed for the better? Life is full of little miracles, but this is perhaps the greatest miracle of all-to see people change, grow, and improve, day by day and little by little.”

Imagine how different life would be if we saw people not for who they are right now, but for who they could become. Think of how we might respond differently to a child if we looked past his failed and messy attempts to make something and into his productive, positive future. Consider the boss, spouse, teenager, or neighbor whose occasional annoying behaviors sometimes put us at odds. What if we could see them as the better person they might become? This may be the most important way we can change-in our ability to believe in and nurture change in others.

Clinton Duffy was a prison warden in the United States during the 1940s and 50s. He was well known for his efforts to rehabilitate the men in his prison. One critic who was skeptical of these efforts said to the warden, "You should know that leopards don't change their spots!" But Duffy replied, with the wisdom and perspective that comes of experience: "You should know I don't work with leopards. I work with men, and men change every day."1

It's not always easy to see others as they can become, and it very often takes patience and faith. Too often we give ourselves and others a reputation, a perception that makes change difficult. But people can surprise us, even inspire us, with how they can and often will change for the better.

1. In Thomas S. Monson, "See Others as They May Become," Ensign, Nov. 2012, 69.

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