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December 10 • 2015 37 S o we've come to another conclu- sion to a calendar year. As one of my partners (David Einstandig) likes to say, "Let's summarize." Here goes: The Tigers did not make the playoffs. The Lions have dem- onstrated once again one small step forward followed by a giant leap back- ward. ISIS is not controlled, and Iran remains committed to the destruction of the Jewish State. We are a year older. We've lost some loved ones and we've gained some. And given the experiences we've encountered — we're a year wiser. So if we've gained some wisdom, can anyone tell us who will be our next president? Will the world gain the upper hand on ISIS this year? Will we come together as a nation on the issues of race relations? I believe the best summary of wis- dom is that the more we learn and the greater we experience, there is but one truth — that we don't know near as much as we'd like to believe. Socrates covered it succinctly: "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know noth- ing." Apparently, Socrates was wise. Then again, if he was wise to say, does that mean he knew nothing and therefore there may be more to true wisdom? George Bernard Shaw said, "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." I like the combination of these quotes. The longer we are around, we realize how little we really know, but the notion of taking responsibility for our future is a message we need to take to heart. It applies on a macro basis as to the need for all of us to share in the responsibility of making the world safe for our children and grandchildren — in the U.S, in Israel and around the globe. In selecting our leaders, we should listen carefully to what they say and don't say in order to determine if they are wise — if they recognize their piv- otal task is the responsibility for our future — not for building upon their mega egos and political expediency. On the micro side, we are wise if we recognize that our future is our respon- sibility. Financially, we must ensure our future fiscal needs are met. The sooner we gain this wisdom the easier the task. If you're a millennial — in your late 20s or early 30s — and you take responsibility for your future now, the ability to secure your future is much easier. Don't incur credit card debt, save 10 percent of your earn- ings and put fiscal responsibility ahead of worrying about the size of your neighbor's house and the cars they drive. Teach your children the same level of responsibility so that they learn not to have the "gimmies" as children and don't have the "gotta have its" as adults. If you're a baby boomer like me, your future is still your responsibility. So if you're not where you want to be, it's time to take action. Develop a plan, shed your debt and put your house in order so that when it's time to retire the cash flow is there to sustain your years. Politically, we need to take a stand. This is not a time for apathy. We have far too many enemies and too many problems. It is our responsibility to partake in the process because it is our future. While Socrates may be correct in that we know nothing and never will, I believe our future rests better with George Bernard Shaw, so let us all take responsibility for our future. * Ken Gross is an attorney with Thav Gross and host of Law and Reality that airs on radio Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. on WCHB 1200 AM/99.9 FM and Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on WDFN "The Fan" 1130 AM, and on television at 11 a.m. Sundays on TV20. Ken Gross business » Wise Wise Men On Men On Wisdom Wisdom Call 1-800-989-1460 for your FREE brochure! EricksonLiving.com FREE BROCHURE Retire from winter at Fox Run, a vibrant 62-plus community in Novi. Enjoy a weatherproof lifestyle free from maintenance and fi lled with amenities like an indoor pool, fi tness center, and restaurants. FOX RUN Where every season is the PERFECT SEASON 11084252 41000 13 Mile Road Novi, MI 48377