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DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)
Psychology
Hard

According to the passage, what is the sign of a truly wise person?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

  • Wisdom is often demonstrated through restraint and careful consideration, which involves listening more and speaking less.
  • Silence allows for the key components of wisdom, such as reflection, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of situations before responding.
  • This thoughtful quietness is an external sign of internal self-control and considered judgment, which are core to the concept of wisdom.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: Being assertive or vocal is more a trait of leadership or extroversion, not necessarily wisdom. A wise person chooses when to speak; constant speech is not a sign of wisdom.
  • Option C: Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, whereas wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge with insight and judgment. As noted in psychological and psychiatric texts, wisdom is distinct from factual knowledge or intelligence.
  • Option D: Courage and wisdom are separate virtues. One can be brave without being wise (e.g., rushing into danger recklessly), and vice versa.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Defining Characteristics of Wisdom as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • In nursing, the 'therapeutic use of silence' is a powerful communication technique that gives patients the space to process their thoughts and emotions, demonstrating empathy and respect.
  • Using silence effectively is crucial during difficult conversations, such as delivering bad news or discussing end-of-life care, as it allows the patient to lead the conversation at their own pace.
  • What if the patient is withdrawn and non-communicative? The nurse should still use periods of silence but combine them with gentle, open-ended prompts and non-verbal encouragement (like leaning in) to build trust and facilitate communication, rather than filling the silence with constant talking.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the defining 'sign' of a 'truly wise person'.
  • Recognize that although the question mentions a 'passage,' none is provided, so you must rely on general knowledge and reasoning.
  • Analyze each option by differentiating between related but distinct concepts: knowledge is not wisdom, courage is not wisdom, and assertiveness is not wisdom.
  • Consider the common philosophical and psychological understanding of wisdom, which emphasizes reflection, judgment, and restraint.
  • Evaluate how each option aligns with this understanding. 'Silence' represents the thoughtfulness and listening that precedes a wise action or statement.
  • Eliminate the options that describe different virtues or incomplete aspects of wisdom to arrive at the best possible answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Defining Characteristics of Wisdom
  • Stem keywords: sign, truly wise person
  • Lead-in keywords: what is
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QDqtqke4zjpuRd7I58c83F

Reference Book

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 2 p. 94-96

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 14595-14597

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