Summary

The text discusses the pursuit of wisdom, emphasizing that it requires sacrifice and a willingness to let go of personal attachments, as illustrated by the myth of Odin and other cultural stories.

Abstract

The article delves into the concept of wisdom as a valuable pursuit that comes at a cost, drawing on the Norse god Odin's myth, who exchanged an eye for wisdom and endured a symbolic death. It suggests that wisdom is not merely about intellectual understanding but involves a deep comprehension of the human condition. The author reflects on their own relentless quest for insight, comparing it to the sacrifices made by historical and literary figures such as the Buddha and characters from "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Velveteen Rabbit." The text argues that wisdom is not easily attained; it requires giving up something of value, whether it be comfort, beliefs, or pride. The author encourages readers to engage in self-negotiation during challenging times to embrace wisdom, proposing that the well of Mimir, symbolizing the source of knowledge, resides within each person.

Opinions

The author views wisdom as more important than happiness or a comfortable life, indicating a personal prioritization of understanding over other forms of fulfillment.
Myths and fairy tales are seen as metaphorical tools that convey profound truths about human existence and are considered to speak directly to the soul.
The article posits that wisdom cannot be superficially acquired or worn like an accessory; it must be embodied through personal transformation and sacrifice.
The author suggests that the universe applies pressure to individuals as an invitation to trade their current state for greater wisdom, implying a somewhat adversarial yet beneficial relationship between individual growth and external circumstances.
The text conveys that the process of spiritual growth is inherently valuable and that the cost associated with it is justified by its worth, reflecting a belief in the intrinsic value of personal development.
The author encourages readers to reevaluate and potentially abandon long-held beliefs and limitations in exchange for self-love, empowerment, and the embrace of vulnerability and compassion.

What Are You Willing to Trade for Wisdom?

An eye for insight

Odin, the All-Father, is a Nordic god who willingly gave one of his eyes to the Well of Mimir in exchange for wisdom.

He gave up his outer sight so he could have insight.

He later hanged himself in Yggdrasil, the tree of life, for nine days and nine nights. He wanted wisdom so much he died for it.

I consider myself a prolific truth-seeker. My daughters often ask me if I can “Please just listen to a story without philosophizing on it, for crying out loud.” It’s difficult for me to do.

I crave wisdom more than almost anything. I seek it out more than I seek happiness. I want to know as much as possible about the human condition. I long to understand the inner workings of our hearts and minds.

But I’m sorry, even I’m not about to give up an eye or hang myself in a tree to get it.

The Value of Myths and Cultural Stories

Of course, we should not understand myths like this one about Odin, literally. Myths and fairy tales are metaphors intended to teach us something about the human condition.

Ancient stories especially carry profound truths that withstand time, space, and culture. These stories sneak past our ego and mind and whisper directly to our soul — the part of us that lives beyond time or space.

The story of Odin teaches us that wisdom never comes free. There is always a price to pay, or a trade that we must make, to access it.

Siddhartha Gautama, who eventually became the Buddha, sacrificed a life of leisure and luxury to set out on a search for truth. He sat under a Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment. He was a prince. He could have had power and influence in the world. Instead, he sought the power that can only be found within.

In “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy gives up her dependency on others to finally discover her inner power.

The Velveteen Rabbit trades his spot on a tidy shelf to venture out into the world. Before he can become a real rabbit (or wise, in our analogy), he is dragged through the mud and has the actual stuffing squeezed out of him.

In story after story, the message is that wisdom, truth, and understanding come only to those willing to give up something valuable in exchange.

The Negotiation

My first yoga teacher used to say about the process of spiritual growth: “It costs a lot because it’s worth a lot.”

Yet, many of us can be stingy when it comes to spiritual growth, can we not?

We want to become wiser but keep our way of life intact, too.

We want to experience greater fulfillment but keep our comfortable routines in place.

We wish we could have more authentic, vulnerable relationships, but please don’t ask us to give up our attachment to our wounds.

Now and then we read a book about wisdom, or find a meme that sounds wise. We try it on for size.

But wisdom is not something that we can place on our bodies like jewelry.

Wisdom repeated is not wisdom embodied.

The only way we can gain wisdom is through making a trade.

When You’re Ready

You don’t have to go on some big adventure to make this trade. The well of Mimir — where the knowledge of the world is stored — does not exist in some faraway place. It lives inside each of us. So we can start negotiating right here and right now.

Challenging times, in particular, offer such opportunities for negotiation. In fact, the more pressure we are under, the more likely the Universe is inviting us in to step into greater wisdom.

It often works like this: The world pressures us, asking us, “Will you stay tightly attached to your beliefs and your way of life? Or will you trade them for a journey to greater wisdom?”

Suppose we answer No.

Okay, then. More pressure.

How about now? No?

More pressure.

And now?

On it goes until we finally say yes.

If you’re feeling this truth right now, I urge you to consider what you might give up.

Here are some ideas:

Give up old beliefs from childhood about your value, looks, or personality. Trade it all for the wisdom of radical self-love and acceptance.

Give up the limits you placed on yourself when you didn’t yet have the strength to do or be more. Barter this away and in return, feel more empowered than ever before.

Trade your fierce independence and personal pride and discover the beauty of compassion and vulnerability.

Cultivating true wisdom over our lifetime requires intentionality, passion, and pursuit. We will not grow wiser by merely growing older.

So think it over, and when you’re ready, make your offering to the well of Mimir.

The stories promise that greater wisdom will be the reward.