How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Becoming Wise
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Nov 2, 2025 
Igor Grossmann, a leading researcher on the psychology of wisdom, and Father Barton Geger, a Jesuit priest from Boston College, explore the essence of wisdom. They discuss how wisdom can be cultivated like a muscle—emphasizing perspective-taking and intellectual humility. Igor highlights techniques for improving decision-making by fostering reflection, while Barton details Ignatian spiritual exercises designed for everyday life. Together, they connect ancient practices with modern psychology, illustrating how clarity and moral grounding enhance wise thinking.
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Intelligence Isn't Same As Wisdom
- Intelligence alone doesn't produce wisdom because cleverness can justify selfish or immoral ends.
- Igor Grossmann warns that high intelligence can amplify biases and self-delusion when unchecked.
Wisdom As Decision Strategies
- Grossmann reframes wisdom as strategies for navigating radical uncertainty rather than judging decisions as objectively wise.
- He studies psychological approaches that help people deliberate and choose under deep uncertainty.
Reflective Deliberation Is Universal
- Cross-cultural work found a common dimension of wisdom called reflective deliberation.
- This emphasizes careful thinking and weighing different arguments across societies.
