Do the wise answer with cynical, sarcastic retorts or with wise, constructive insights?

Question

Namaste

Peace and Love

Answer 1

i think they answer with both

Answer 2

I would imagine the wise apply the proper antidote to the poison. In the Chan tradition, and perhaps in other traditions as well, it is necessary for the master to bring the Disciple's twisting thoughts to a halt. This is usually done, I have heard, by getting the disciple to concentrate on one particualr thought, and then throwing out a comment so out of character that for a second all thoughts cease. I have heard that sometimes these comments are cynical, and at other times the comments are constructive. I suppose whichever style actually works to bring enlightenment is the "wise" choice.

Answer 3

They answer with whatever is going to get the idea through to the person they are talking to. Sometimes that is wise constructive insights, and perhaps a sage and knowing look, other times, maybe the sarcasm is the thing, not every body receives a message in the same way.

Answer 4

Depends on the person and the nature of their wisdom. Though I suspect most wise people would not waste a cynical or sarcastic retort that wouldn't be appreciated or understood anyway. So the wise might not say anything unless it was truly worth saying.

Answer 5

The wise can do either and still answer your question.. But the humble wise-man does it with constructive insights. Sometimes people understand your point better when you ask rhetorical cynical question in a retort to someones question to help them understand the rediculousness of their question.

Answer 6

I think it strongly depends on who poses the question. If the question is truly a question that needs and deserves an answer then you make it academic in the nature of the response. If it is posed by a Fox News ideologue then it does not deserve to be recognized as a question and therefore doesn't deserve an answer. If it is a question posed by a member of a hate group you ignore the whole thing.

Answer 7

It depends upon the wise person, and the asker. For some, the only words they will listen to are those which cut through their self-centeredness and pierce the illusions they have wrapped around their minds. A wise person knows this and adapts his words to the listener.

Answer 8

Both, depending on the situation. That's why they're wise, becuase they know when to be helpful and when to be funny.

Answer 9

Both. Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal, when Baal failed to rain fire out of heaven.

Answer 10

Much depends on the nature of the question.

Answer 11

The wise would keep their silence ...