We are to seek wisdom and understanding only in the length of

"We are to seek wisdom and understanding only in the length of days." – Robert Hall.

In these profound words, Robert Hall speaks to the heart of the human experience. Wisdom and understanding, those sought-after treasures of the soul, are not to be obtained through shortcuts or instant gratification. Instead, they are forged in the fires of time, slowly and steadily, through the length of days. The truth that Hall reveals is simple yet profound: life itself—with all its trials, victories, and struggles—is the true teacher, and only through patience and experience can we attain the depth of understanding we seek. Wisdom does not come in a single moment of insight; it is accumulated day by day, hour by hour, through the steady passage of time.

The ancient Greeks, in their wisdom, understood the value of time in shaping the soul. Socrates, perhaps the greatest of the philosophers, declared that "an unexamined life is not worth living." Yet Socrates did not suggest that wisdom could be found through fleeting moments of reflection alone. No, wisdom, for Socrates, was something to be sought through a lifetime of questioning, of examining one’s own beliefs, and engaging deeply with the world. He sought not immediate answers, but a constant process of learning that unfolded over the course of a lifetime. The same lesson is passed down through Hall’s words: wisdom is the result of lived experience, a journey that cannot be rushed or bypassed.

Confucius, the great teacher of China, echoed this sentiment in his own teachings. In his words, “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” To understand this truth requires time, as it is only after years of reflection, trial, and error that one can truly grasp the depth of what they do not know. This humility before the unknown is what opens the door to wisdom. In the length of days, through both success and failure, one gradually comes to understand the world and their place within it. This is why Confucius placed so much importance on the practice of virtue over the course of a lifetime—by consistently striving to be righteous, honorable, and wise, one’s character deepens and grows over time.

The history of Nelson Mandela offers us a poignant example of wisdom acquired over the length of days. As a young man, Mandela’s desire for justice was filled with passion and idealism. Yet, it was only through his years of imprisonment, suffering, and personal reflection that he gained the wisdom to understand that true leadership was not about rigid confrontation, but about reconciliation and compromise. The hardships of his life were not mere obstacles—they were the very experiences that shaped his understanding of human nature, of forgiveness, and of the long road to freedom. Mandela's wisdom was not born overnight; it grew from his deep engagement with life’s trials and the years he spent reflecting on his journey.

In the great epic of life, the length of days holds a sacred significance. The Bible, in its infinite wisdom, reminds us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom", but it is through life’s journey—through the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows—that wisdom truly grows. Each day provides us with new opportunities to learn, to grow, and to reflect. Just as the oak tree grows slowly from a tiny seed, so does wisdom grow, day by day, from the experiences we encounter. There is no shortcut to true understanding, no magical formula—only the slow, deliberate process of living and learning over time.

The lesson in Robert Hall's words is clear: to seek wisdom is to embrace time. We must not be in a rush to attain understanding, for wisdom cannot be hurried. The greatest truths are often revealed not in moments of sudden insight, but in the gradual unfolding of experience. Life, with all its joys, struggles, and triumphs, is our greatest teacher. Each day, even in its simplest moments, offers us lessons that will guide us toward deeper understanding.

So, how do we apply this wisdom to our daily lives? First, we must be patient with ourselves and with the process of growth. Wisdom comes not from a single grand moment, but from the accumulation of experiences—big and small—over time. We must also be open to learning from every experience, whether it is failure or success, for each moment holds the potential to shape our understanding. Let us honor the length of days as the pathway to wisdom, embracing the full journey of life with gratitude, patience, and humility. Through this, we will gradually discover the deeper truths of the world, and our place within it.