I think the essence of wisdom is emancipation, as fat as possible, from the tyranny of the here and now. ... No one can view the world with complete impartiality; and if anyone could, he would hardly be able to remain alive. But it is possible to make a continual approach towards impartiality, on the one hand, by knowing things somewhat remote in time or space, and on the other hand, by giving to such things their due weight in our feelings. It is this approach towards impartiality that constitutes growth in wisdom.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Knowledge and Wisdom (1952).
More info.:http://russell-j.com/beginner/1073_KW-040.HTM