Becoming Wise

We often think of wisdom as something that comes with age, or as a gift reserved for a chosen few. But what if wisdom is more like a muscle… one that becomes stronger with practice?

Episode 3 of the How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality podcast, hosted by PRX, titled "Becoming Wise" was published on November 2, 2025 and runs 38 minutes.

November 2, 2025 ·38m · How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

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Summary

We often think of wisdom as something that comes with age, or as a gift reserved for a chosen few. But what if wisdom is more like a muscle… one that becomes stronger with practice? On this episode, we’re exploring the true meaning of wisdom. We’ll talk to psychologist Igor Grossmann and Jesuit priest Barton Geger about how science and spirituality have come to many of the same conclusions about what wisdom looks like in practice and what we can all do to train our hearts and minds to see more clearly and make choices that align with our values. Professor Igor Grossmann directs the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo. Learn more about his work at his website. Father Barton Geger is an Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. Learn more about his work here and here.

Episode Description

We often think of wisdom as something that comes with age, or as a gift reserved for a chosen few. But what if wisdom is more like a muscle… one that becomes stronger with practice?

On this episode, we’re exploring the true meaning of wisdom. We’ll talk to psychologist Igor Grossmann and Jesuit priest Barton Geger about how science and spirituality have come to many of the same conclusions about what wisdom looks like in practice and what we can all do to train our hearts and minds to see more clearly and make choices that align with our values.

Professor Igor Grossmann directs the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo. Learn more about his work at his website.

Father Barton Geger is an Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. Learn more about his work here and here.