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Since ancient times, the elusive concept of wisdom has figured prominently in philosophical and religious texts. The question remains compelling: What is wisdom, and how does it play out in individual lives? Most psychologists agree that if you define wisdom as maintaining positive well-being and kindness in the face of challenges, it is one of the most important qualities one can possess to age successfully — and to face physical decline and death. 自古以来，智慧的概念一直在哲学和宗教文献中占据了显赫的地位。相关问题至今仍难以捉摸，引人深思：什么是智慧？它在一个人的生活中发挥了怎样的作用？大多数心理学家都认同，如果智慧的定义就是在挑战面前仍可以保持积极健康和慈悲的心态，那么，可以说它是一个人能够顺利步入老年阶段，并直面体力的衰退乃至死亡所需拥有的最重要的品质。 Vivian Clayton, a geriatric neuropsychologist in Orinda, Calif., developed a definition of wisdom in the 1970s, when she was a graduate student, that has served as a foundation for research on the subject ever since. After scouring ancient texts for evocations of wisdom, she found that most people described as wise were decision makers. So she asked a group of law students, law professors and retired judges to name the characteristics of a wise person. Based on an analysis of their answers, she determined that wisdom consists of three key components: cognition, reflection and compassion. | 
