An anecdote on wisdom and anecdotal evidence.

I once asked a wise fellow the following question: At night, when I've had a difficult day, or a great day, should I work, sleep, or read?

He said, more spewing the words upon my previously parched countenance than speaking them into my ready ears: "Read! Always read, you damned fool!"

I learned also the difference between knowledge and wisdom on that day. Knowledge is spoken by others, wisdom is felt and tasted by oneself. 

P.S., anecdotal evidence is highly unreliable and precious.

Stand back, I'm doing poetry again!

De Perspecti Natura (On the nature of perceiving thoroughly)

Brilliance abounds, from canyon precipice to familial edifice;

From the level plane of success to sinuous ebb of distress.

The light is seen by the bold, men who've studied the time of old

A wise man did once profess, the dying secrets of his finesse:

A perspective learned and true, is the biggest stick in a dark purlieu.

A tongue, supple, but not glib, is sharper than metal to pierce through the rib.

Poem by David J. Deardorff

Aside for future reference: This was a facebook response I posted on account of the following picture and a related discussion (it's a picture of mine from the Grand Canyon, hence the first line involving a canyon):