Wisdom development and self-transcendence: A merging of self and Other

Abstract

Streib proposed that xenocentric responsiveness to the extraordinary Other will lead to wise reasoning and wise behavior because listening to and getting (rather than taking) the perspective of the Other will broaden one’s horizon and provide new, non-normative, innovative, creative, and wise responses to social issues. By contrast, I argue that wisdom development leads to self-transcendence and a consciousness of oneness, which is a merging of self and other. Therefore, when responding to the Other, the wise do not focus on otherness but on our common humanity.