Where's the Wisdom?

There once was a time when wise men and women were in abundance. We were always hearing one astonishing quote of advice and guidance after another. There was a time when there were many role models all around us that everyone looked up to. Those times have passed. And why? Where did the wisdom go? Did it just stop or did it taper off? Are there still wise men out there and they just keep their wisdom to themselves? In today's society when negativity and crime and awfulness is everywhere you turn, where is the guidance we need? Where are the warnings? Where is the wisdom?

There are many conspiracy theories out there and I'm not going to go into any of them (mostly because I don't care), but where are the wise leaders that we used to have? When did politics and lying become a sport? When we find a presidential candidate that we absolutely love and trust, we do everything to support them that we possibly can, including lying and tearing down the "competition." We trust that all that said candidate "promises" will actually come true. In fact, we will even elect them for a second term although said candidate hasn't shown anything to support the promises he made when he first ran. So, why do we elect them again? He hasn't done anything that he promised. Should we really be offering a president who hasn't lived up to his promises a second chance? Where is the wisdom in that?

I know that today's economy isn't the greatest and there are many people who are unemployed or have had their hours cut and are struggling to make ends meet. But how many of those people are actively trying to find a new or better job to be able to support themselves and their families? I know of some people who are really trying and are doing everything they can, even if it means sacrificing time with loved ones. But I know of many people who have decided to just give up, be lazy and carefree, go on welfare, and "let the government take care of everything." People have become lazy couch potatoes and don't care about their loved ones true needs. ***NOTE: I understand and recognize that there are some circumstances, foreseen and unforeseen, that are out of our control. And when these circumstances arise, there is little that can be done sometimes. I get that.*** Some people who have "given up to the government" don't understand what happens when they go on welfare. They think that everything they ever want will be paid for and they can "live the dream." They go out and buy unnecessary toys and gadgets: 60" TV, brand new car, the latest iPhone, etc. And then when they can't afford food or clothing, they complain and blame their problems on other people. If you have gone on welfare, your first priorities should be living: food, clothing, shelter. Where is the wisdom in spending all of your money to play before buying what is needed to survive?

When FATMAN! thinks about wisdom, he thinks about chess. It is said that good chess players plan their moves 2-3 moves in advance and great players even more. FATMAN! can usually plan 1-2 moves in advance. When faced in the situation where your pawn is taken or you take your opponent's pawn, most people will immediately just take the pawn (looking only 1 move ahead). As soon as they have taken their opponent's pawn, the instant gratification is all they get. But if you sacrifice your pawn in order to establish check-mate (looking 3 moves ahead), the gratification is so much greater. 
When compared to real life, I see most people going for the pawn instead of willing to sacrifice their pawn. People are constantly on Facebook and Twitter to get those 15 likes that they need to feel alive. People are getting paid and immediately going to spend it on the latest gadget, alcohol, expensive clothes, etc. instead of using it to buy what is needed and save a little bit over time until one can afford what is on their wishlist. 

Debt is sometimes a good thing (like homes and schooling), but debt mostly is an ugly thing. Have something you want right now but can't afford it right now? Don't worry, says the credit companies, just put in on a credit card and pay for it later. Seems like an easy fix, right? But when you continue to buy something that you can't afford, the money you owe builds and builds and builds. Where is the wisdom in that? 

Where is the wisdom? Where is the man looking out for our well-being? Where is the leader who will always have our best interests at heart? Where are the wise men for our society? It's questions like these that make me grateful to know that I have at least 15 men that I can look to who are wise men and leaders through these perilous times.