The Wisdom Pyramid
At the start of a new year, many of us resolve to change our diets and eating habits. While this may improve our physical bodies, what can we do to help our spiritual health? In The Wisdom Pyramid, Brett McCracken shows us how we can better feed our souls in a post-truth world.
McCracken is the senior editor for The Gospel Coalition, and I’ve appreciated his articles on art and culture. I believe it’s fair to say that McCracken consumes a lot of media, but he is also critical of the media he consumes. His background makes him an especially informed and qualified author of this book.
Current Issues
In less than 200 pages, McCracken shows us 3 sources of our sickness and 7 sources of our wisdom. He diagnoses us as mentally and spiritually sick. We are depressed, lonely, and unhappy. We are anxious, addicted, and distracted. Using the concept of a media diet, he says we eat too much, eat too fast, and eat only what tastes good to us. The antidote to dangerous distractibility is purpose, focus, and intention.
Before he gets to the pyramid, he stops to talk about current issues related to media and technology. We are warned of dismissing “alternative facts” and the ultimate dead end of following “your truth.” McCracken’s words are quick and cutting. The entirety of his book is relevant, and he speaks to our current cultural moment.
The Bible is the Basis of Wisdom
The Bible is the basis of the Wisdom Pyramid, and while it is infallible, it must be handled correctly: (1) It should speak to all of life, (2) it should define our paradigm, (3) the whole of Scripture is valuable, (4) it should spark worship and obedience, and (5) it doesn’t have to make complete sense. Next, the wisdom of the Church is championed, and it’s the communal aspect that helps us find true, meaningful connection.
Surprisingly, nature is next on the Wisdom Pyramid, followed by books. As a book lover, I would have thought to have books go before, but McCracken is correct in that God initiates the discussion – showcasing his glory through his created world. Nature is an open book that begs to be read. And while books are a blessing, McCracken offers three tips of discernment when reading: (1) Read old books, (2) read books that challenge you, and (3) read books you enjoy.
Cultivate Wisdom
McCracken places art, music, movies, TV, and other narratives in the category of beauty. He reminds us that human creativity is a unique way of bearing God’s image. The Church uses beauty in an excellent way through singing and sharing the Lord’s Supper. McCracken’s ability to make these connections is outstanding, and he states them simply with care and clarity.
Finally, the Internet and Social Media are at the peak of the Wisdom Pyramid, and McCracken offers five habits for cultivating wisdom online: (1) Go online with purpose, (2) seek quality over quantity, (3) slow down, (4) diversify your exposure, and (5) share what’s good. His suggestions are practical and possible. This chapter deserved my attention, as I am prone to invert the whole Wisdom Pyramid – often placing the Internet and Social Media as an incorrect priority.
Feed Your Soul
Wisdom has discernment, patience, and humility in regards to our media diet. When I stop to think about the time we spend online, it only makes sense that we must be better stewards of our spiritual life. This book is perfect for teens and those beginning to understand our digital world. But it is also excellent for those of us who are older and need to make some changes. Answer the call of wisdom, and find the Bread of Life that truly satisfies.
Check out my interview with author Brett McCracken: Balancing Our Wisdom Diet in the Internet Age: An Interview with Brett McCracken
I received a media copy of The Wisdom Pyramid and this is my honest review, originally written on January 25, 2021. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.