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Why Wisdom Matters in the Digital Age: Insights from Dr. Fahruddin Faiz

Discover why nurturing your intellect and philosophical thinking is essential in today’s viral, fast-paced world.

In an era where instant gratification and viral content dominate our digital lives, Dr. Fahruddin Faiz reminds us of something far more valuable—our intellect. In his conversation with Gita Wirjawan on the Endgame podcast, Dr. Faiz offers a compelling argument for why philosophy, critical thinking, and wisdom should not be sidelined.

Reclaiming Philosophy in a Distracted Age

What Happened to the Love of Wisdom?

Philosophy—once the bedrock of great civilizations like Ancient Greece and the Islamic Golden Age—is now misunderstood and even feared. Dr. Faiz notes that in Indonesia, philosophy is often labeled as heretical, despite its role in producing scholars like Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazali. “People praise the Islamic Golden Age, but forget it was driven by philosophy,” he says.

The Danger of Abandoning Critical Thought

According to Dr. Faiz, when a society abandons deep thinking, it begins to fall apart. He cites the fall of Baghdad in the 13th century not only as a political collapse but also an intellectual one. “Once the curiosity and scientific spirit faded, so did the civilization.”

Modern Challenges: Social Media and Shallow Thinking

The Viral Culture Trap

Today, many equate popularity with value. Likes and shares have become the new social currency. But this has a cost. “We risk raising a generation that can dance for the camera but cannot think for themselves,” warns Dr. Faiz.

Information Without Wisdom

While children have unprecedented access to information, they often lack the tools to process it wisely. “They might know what wahdatul wujud is at 13, but don’t understand its philosophical depth,” he explains.

How to Cultivate Wisdom in Everyday Life

• Encourage open thinking – Let children ask questions without shutting them down.
• Teach context and depth – Help them understand what knowledge is appropriate at what age.
• Replace passive scrolling with active learning – Offer equally fun but meaningful alternatives to TikTok or Instagram.

“Don’t just flow with the current. Flow, but don’t drown.” — Sunan Kalijaga

The Role of Educators and Leaders

Authority Should Come from Wisdom, Not Virality

In today’s world, anyone can speak on any topic, regardless of expertise. Dr. Faiz emphasizes the need for self-awareness and humility: “I speak on philosophy because it’s my field. I won’t speak on neuroscience because it’s not.”

Education Must Be Multidimensional

Masjids, schools, and communities should offer more than just traditional teachings. Introduce philosophy, psychology, and science. “The more tools we have, the better we can solve life’s problems,” he says.

Philosophy as a Lifelong Compass

What Is Philosophy, Really?

Dr. Faiz describes it in two ways:

• Thinking correctly
• Loving wisdom

It’s not just about knowing the truth—it’s about knowing when and how to apply it. “Truth without wisdom is like washing with urine—technically correct, but actually harmful,” he jokes, citing Imam Ghazali.

Happiness vs. Success

Surprisingly, Google search data shows that Indonesians chase “success” more than “happiness,” unlike Western countries. Why? “Perhaps because we seek what we don’t yet have,” he suggests. But true happiness, he argues, comes from within—gratitude and acceptance—though it should not lead to passivity.

Final Reflections: Think, Don’t Just Scroll

In a world flooded with content, we are drowning in distraction. The antidote? Revive your intellect. Think before you scroll, speak with depth, and pursue wisdom over virality.

Let’s not waste the greatest gift we’ve been given—our minds.

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Label:

Self Development

Referensi / Sumber:

Video: Dr. Fahruddin Faiz: Akal Budi Tidak untuk Disia-siakan | Endgame #110
Channel: Endgame by Gita Wirjawan