Wisdom Teeth- the pain without gain

Why is this painfully useless tooth called wisdom tooth? Is it because it grows when we become adult? or is it the sign that we have become wise? Then how painful it is to become wise! The pain is unbearable, and I have been drinking for the last three days to escape it, and starting this morning I am forced to fast. The swelling in my gums won't let me chew anything at all. Everybody says I should remove it surgically- I have just become wise and removing it would mean I am denying the change.
I have to do a little research before I let it go, for what is pain without gain?