Descriptive and Prescriptive Wisdom

Wisdom is not merely descriptive. Wisdom is also prescriptive. 

It is not merely what we cognitively know about. It is also normative, containing rules, norms, and value priorities that aim to align our ways of knowing, being and acting with reality. 

A wise society responds to reality as perceived at the moment in time. Making a best guess and learning from trial and error are its tools.