Present-day knowledge consists of a fragmented collection of isolated data and insights. The lack of a unifying system holding together the various disciplines and arenas is at the root of the unrelatedness of human wisdom to the rest of the social process. Individuals are overwhelmed and frustrated by being constantly inundated with great quantities of data which they have no way of retaining or relating.
The intellectual nature of the human person is perfected by wisdom and needs to be, for wisdom gently attracts the mind of man to a quest and a love for what is true and good. Steeped in wisdom, man passes through visible realities to those which are unseen. Our era needs such wisdom more than bygone ages if the discoveries made by man are to be further humanized. For the future of the world stands in peril unless wiser men are forthcoming. It should also be pointed out that many nations, poorer in economic goods, are quite rich in wisdom and can offer noteworthy advantages to others. (Second Vatican Council. Gaudium et Spes, 1965).