The Wisdom Project

The Wisdom Project is what I call my current work on international relations and foreign policy, but the agency of wisdom itself has occupied my mind and work for years. Strangely, it began to capture my imagination decades ago, when I didn’t even recognize it for what it is, as vital for human flourishing among people who are different. By the late-1970s, I found myself beginning to explore the historic wisdom literature and gaining insight into this “lost” tradition.

As the years passed, I slowly began to understand the potential that a wisdom-based way reasoning held for our contemporary world. I saw that learning wisdom together (with others) was essential for advancing wisdom-based approaches to issues and initiatives where human diversity is normative, cooperation essential, and human flourishing is desired. The more I saw this, the more compelled I felt to keep going, and I have been trying to incorporate what I understand about the agency of wisdom into my life and work ever since. By the early-1990s, I began working with individuals and groups in the States and the UK to advance wisdom-based approaches in areas of education, the business world, family and social life, environmental stewardship, government responsibility, and especially the arts, communication, and religion. This was rewarding and led quite naturally after 9/11 to my current work, on wisdom-based international relations and foreign policy decision making.

Exclusive to this site, I have an written an introduction to the wisdom tradition, which is a fairly comprehensive article where you will find out a lot about the agency of wisdom and why I see it a “lost” way of reasoning with a tremendous amount of potential for today. Perhaps some of the discoveries will surprise you. I have also included two other areas of extensive research into the literature, which I still rely on from time to time (see Wisdom Words and Wisdom Actors).

The Introductory article, Wisdom Words, and Wisdom Actors also pull duty as important background assumptions for the wisdom-based approaches to international relations and foreign policy that are being developed by The Wisdom Project, a multi-aspected initiative that includes the new book I am writing on U.S. – Middle East relations. But enough of me. I have put this research on the site for you. Enjoy.

Your comments are welcome here

What people are saying

“Strohmer’s analysis of the theological and political effects of the September 11 trauma has been some of the most cogent and compelling I have come across.” Dr. Paul Patton, Spring Arbor University

“The topic of Charles Strohmer’s work is of great interest to me and CPJ. His book project could prove to be of very great value both for its readers and for those whose diplomatic approaches in concrete situations may be influenced by it.” James Skillen, President Emeritus, The Center for Public Justice

“I have known Charles for some twenty years and think very highly both of Charles and the topics he addresses in his new book project on U.S. - Mideast relations. He has both the experience and intellectual skills to pull it off.” James W. Sire, author of The Universe Next Door

“Charles Strohmer’s wisdom project about international relations and foreign policy is exciting and timely. It will bring a fresh perspective to U.S. - Mideast relations.” Rev. John Peck, Suffolk, England

“Charles has been at the leading edge of wisdom thinking for a long time. Discussions with him, his teaching, and his experience have been influential in helping me understand my own and others’ worldviews and my work in education.” Dr. Pamela MacKenzie, International Network for Development, UK

In this Section

The Wisdom Project
- Wisdom Tradition Introduction
- Wisdom Project Précis
- Wisdom Actors, part 1
- Wisdom Actors, part 2
- Wisdom Words
- Bibliography