Brett McCracken. The Wisdom Pyramid. Crossway, 2021.
If readers analyze the cover of The Wisdom Pyramid, they can get a sense of what this book is about. Its subtitle is Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World. There is picture of a pyramid shaped object with some interior shelves. On each of the six shelves there are objects that illustrate what the book is about. The author deliberately borrows from the Department of Health’s Food Pyramid, but instead of food groups, there are things that feed our minds.
After a few chapters on “post-truth” and relativism, the author raises obvious questions, what are we to believe? How are we to know what is true? His solution is the Wisdom Pyramid.
In this case, the order is important. The first shelf or floor of the pyramid provides the base for the others. Each higher shelf is a bit narrower, like the Food Pyramid to indicate something we do not need as much of. The top of the Food Pyramid, for example, has sweets and fats. We do need some of those things, but only in moderation or we will be unhealthy. Similarly, at the top of the Wisdom Pyramid is the Internet and social media. Too much of those things are likewise unhealthy for our minds or our souls.
It is simple enough to summarize or outline the pyramid. The author, though, does have wise things to say about each level, each step. While written specifically for a Christian audience, I believe others can benefit from it as well.
The foundation or base is the Bible. That is the revealed word of the Creator of the Universe. It is truly universal. If we dismiss or disregard it, we do so at the detriment of ourselves, our families, and our cultures. As one writer put it years ago, it is the manufacturer’s handbook.
Next comes the church. The author recognizes that all churches have imperfections, but we need other people for support, for learning, for teaching, and for accountability. Our culture, especially younger people, have a reputation for being lonely. We need people. What is better than others who are also seeking God and His ways?
Next comes nature. Scriptures such as Psalm 19 and Romans 1 describe the importance of nature. The author, for example, cites The Last Child in the Woods, a book this reviewer heartily recommends. (I reviewed it before I started this blog). People need nature. They need to see that they are a part of nature, and that we can learn much from nature’s patterns, laws, and variety. We need time there.
Next come books and reading. The author here suggests, of course, classics, books that have stood the test of time and still make us think. Yes, there is a place for fiction and poetry as well. This is another way we learn things and become wiser. Many times God Himself uses stories or narrative to convey His truth.
Next come other art forms. This includes music, visual arts, even film—at least sometimes and in moderation. Arts speak to us in nonverbal ways that can be important. Yes, some things can be mere entertainment, but there is a lot to learn. Many times we remember the lyrics to a song or the image from a work of art in way that transcends merely reading or hearing something.
Finally, at the top and on a narrow shelf, comes the Internet and mass media. I recall a book editor twenty years ago telling me that ninety percent of what was on the Internet was garbage. I am sure she has not changed her mind unless to raise the percentage. Unfortunately, many things on the Internet have become a distraction, and often an unhealthy one at that. I will go so far as to say that if you were to tell me that you are going to read this blog less and spend more time outdoors or reading the Bible, I would not object one bit.
The world needs wise people. Wisdom takes time to grow. Let’s move on with stable thinking. Take this book with you and learn from it. As I write this, an organization the author writes for is offering a free download of The Wisdom Pyramid. A wise person would take advantage of the opportunity. After all, wisdom is “more precious than jewels” (Proverbs 3:15). Such a deal!