Over the ages, many philosophers have expounded on what is wisdom, how to find it and live it.

Socrates, the ancient Greek father of philosophy, sought wisdom and truth. His following philosophers, Aristotle and Plato, attempted to further define wisdom and to discover the what, where, how and why of it. I’ll leave it to you to study their writings, but beware, when you do read their offerings, have a large glass of wine sitting beside you. Let’s just say these old time thinkers are rather deep and profound.

I think wisdom is found in recognizing we are human, and, therefore, we have many foibles. It’s who we are and wisdom arrives in discovering how we react to our weaknesses.

What? I have weaknesses? Again, I’ll let you answer that question.

It has taken me a long time to fully understand my weaknesses, and here’s what I’ve learned.

I was handed these questions and was struck by their profoundness. I’m sorry. I’m wrong. I need help. I don’t know. Before I start self identifying myself with these four questions, I’ll sip a bit of liquid.

I’m sorry. Those two words have deep meaning since they show people we did something wrong or we are feeling pain with them. Either situation means we reach into ourselves and show some vulnerability. What I’ve learned is that, by saying these two words, it makes me and the other person more real. They feel me and I feel them.

How would I taste these feelings? How about we try a glass of Heritage Famille-Guilhem Chardonnay? You’ll discover soft floral aromas pairing with some gentle mango tastes — it’s a perfect wine to offer someone that feeling of being sorry.

I’m wrong. Oh, that’s a tough one! It’s kind of hard to admit we screwed up, isn’t it? But, what I’ve learned is that the feeling of relief that comes with admitting your foible is very life changing. Jeez, I can’t think of how many times I’ve been on the wrong side of right, and have now discovered that the simple act of admitting you’re human is so freeing. In case you don’t know it, we all make mistakes and recognizing a mistake by another person doesn’t give you the right to feel pompous and superior to that person.

Perhaps you should sit down with that person and pour a bit of Apothic Merlot — a remarkably fine red wine. I love the black cherry and vanilla tastes — one can never go wrong with this pour.

I need help. When is the last time you looked someone in the eyes and asked for help? When is the last time you saw the need and offered help to someone. Helping goes both ways between folks, and that simple act of reaching out your hand to someone can be a life changing event.

A nice way to make that life changing event even better is to clink a glass of Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile with your friend. It’s so mild with a nice crisp finish — it’ll help you mend fences and find new friends.

I don’t know. Ouch! That means I must admit to … not knowing something. Doesn’t that make me weak or clueless or dimwitted? No, it does not. A long time ago I found out there’s no way one can know everything and I believe Socrates would agree with me. After all, profound minds think alike, right?

A little humor goes a long way, too!

I know a Malbec is good for me, but I’ve learned not everyone likes the wine’s heaviness and dryness. That’s alright, but I’ll still try to have a glass of Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec with you when we are together. I don’t know if you’ll like it or not, but without the experience, one might be missing something very good.

I firmly believe wisdom surrounds us in many forms. We find it in educational facilities, in our families and friends, in nature, in books, at work, in a wine … everywhere.

Don’t be afraid to say you’re sorry, you’re wrong, you need help or that you don’t know. Those four items are the doors to wisdom.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!