Wisdom without Zealotry - Definitions

I have many viewpoints and philosophies about universal truths as well as the role zealotry does not have in seeking these truths. Occasionally I will be making a post about this topic. Feel free to chime in with constructive comments.

Zealot, in the Oxford dictionary (1951), is defined as: an uncompromising or extreme partisan, fanatic

Compromise, in the Oxford dictionary (1951), is defined as: settlement of dispute by mutual concession; adjustment of or between conflicting opinions, courses, etc, by modification of each. Therefore uncompromising would be: denoting action contrary to or annulling that to which is mentioned above.

Fanatic, in the Oxford dictionary (1951), is defined as: a person filled with excessive and mistaken enthusiasm, especially in religion.

Wisdom, also as defined in the same Oxford dictionary, is defined as:

1. Being wise, (possession of) experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them critically or practically.
2. Sagacity (exceptionally intelligent. seeming to reason or deliberate)
3. Prudence (sagacious, discreet, worldy-wise)
4. Common Sense.

Under these definitions, using broad terms, zealotry seems static and unyielding and wisdom seems to be fluid and continuously learning. I say seems because there are many whose belief in a thing is separate from what they reason. They believe in a thing because it feels good to believe it, which is separate from reasoning something because of the presence of observable and repeatable facts. Zealotry then has an emotional connection to the person. It is a feeling. A belief.

Belief, defined in the same Oxford dictionary, is:

1. Trust or confidence.
2. Acceptance of the Christian theology.
3. Acceptance as true or existing.
4. Thing believed.
5. Religion.
6. Opinion.
7. Intuition.

Belief, like zealotry, requires no critical analysis of facts. It is a certain way because it feels like it should be so. It is the easy path and never changes.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is harder. Not only does it require getting the facts to determine truth, but one has to reason the result. It also requires one to change the result based on new facts. One must be humble in order to be truly wise.

Am I saying that people who are zealous cannot be wise? No. What I'm saying is that if ones zealotry stops a person or group from applying critical thought, especially about topics ones own zealotry is dogmatic about, it keeps you from having true wisdom.