Jul 4, 2025

'Wisdom Of Rocks' by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

Let us linger on the wisdom of rocks—not as inert masses but as carriers of time, witnesses to cycles far beyond human comprehension.

The rocks are not “wise” in the human sense of decision-making or judgment; their wisdom lies in their capacity to hold the paradox of permanence and change, of silence and endurance. They remind us that intelligence is not a possession but a resonance, emerging not within beings but between them. This shifts the question from “Who is wise?” to “What relationships cultivate wisdom?” It challenges the hierarchy that modernity suggests, where wisdom and intelligence belong to a singular entity—be it human or machine—and instead invites us to see wisdom as a field of interactions. Rocks, humans, fungi, and AI are all participants in this field, offering their unique frequencies to the symphony of existence. 

 Wisdom could be better described as a practice of becoming rather than a state of knowing. ... [Read more]

Seed questions for reflection: What do you make of the notion that wisdom is a relational process that thrives in the "in-between" spaces, rather than a possession or a fixed attribute? Can you share a personal story that illustrates a moment when you felt deeply connected to nature or another living being, where you experienced intelligence as a shared resonance rather than an individual trait? What helps you cultivate a practice of listening and adapting in your life, allowing you to participate in the symphony of existence rather than seeking control or predictability?