In Search of a Better Story: Teaching Wisdom to Build Wellbeing in an Increasingly Complex World

Abstract

Ancient questions It seems entirely logical that human beings might seek out a fulfilling life that produces positive relationships, good health and a deep sense of meaning. Indeed, ancient cultures the word over have a history of enquiry related to the examination of ‘the good life’ (Seligman, 1998, p.1). During the 4th Century BC Plato outlined “a general theory of well-ordered human life” (Allot, 2011, p.1165) in his work Republic. From within the Hebrew tradition, Solomon urged his people to turn their “ear to wisdom” and apply their “heart to understanding” (Proverbs 2:2 NIV). This consistent call to wisdom is more relevant than ever in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world that seeks to understand and facilitate wellbeing for staff and students in an educational context.