In the previous article we tackled the issue of knowledge and how humans use it in good or evil ways. We also spoke of knowledge’s first enemy which is “illusion of knowledge”. We also mentioned that man has to grant people his knowledge honestly or he will be the reason of someone’s destruction or even destroys himself.
Knowledge is also connected with many issues such as modesty, wisdom, success.
Knowledge and Modesty
Knowledge that is characterized by loftiness is void. When man’s character lacks modesty, he would think that he knows it all; although, in fact, he may have little knowledge. As the more man learns more, the more he knows that there is still a lot to learn. Moreover, loftiness turns man to be imprisoned in the illusion of knowledge, so he refuses to learn new things. A lofty knowledgeable person won’t be able to positively transfer his knowledge to anyone. As they say, “It is not enough to have a brilliant mind, you should use it brilliantly.”It is also not enough to have knowledge; you should have knowledge along with modesty and wisdom as there will be a lot to learn, no matter how knowledgeable you are.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Knowledge needs to be accompanied with wisdom. As any matter should be done wisely; lack of wisdom might result in bad consequences even if man had good intentions.
One shouldn’t say all what he knows. Some words cause conflicts and disagreements between people. However, withholding some information may lead to destroying others. Rational thinking will help man to evaluate matters soundly and interfere wisely. Isaac Asimov — ‘The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.’
Seeking knowledge should be accompanied by wisdom. Knowledge is gained through reading and learning while wisdom is gained through noticing.
Someone was asked, “Who taught you wisdom?”, “The Ignorant, whenever I see a flaw they have, I decide to avoid”, he answered.
Nevertheless if words are the way to knowledge, listening is the fastest way to wisdom. Listening carefully would help you to understand what others want to say clearly and as they meant to say. Accordingly, you will be able to present what you know in a useful way for others.
The difference between the talented and untalented doctors is in their listening carefully and attentively to patients’ complaints, thus they would be able to determine the suitable treatment for them, unlike the doctors who don’t exert the effort to listen carefully to patients.
The same goes to all the fields of life. The more you listen, the more you realize more information and use it in a positive way.
Knowledge and Success
Knowledge equips man with the information he needs to achieve success. However, it needs to be accompanied with sound and deep thinking, thus one can make good use of it.
Life taught us that there are a lot of people who have the same amount of knowledge, however only some of them are distinguishably successful.
Knowledge is a key to doors of success, if you think and judge matters soundly. So, success needs knowledgeable thinking or thinkable knowledge. Seeking success requires a true understanding of yourself and others. If you realistically study your weak points, you will be able to turn them into strengths.
Understanding others’ personalities will help you to work with them without any disputes, so work would achieve success.
General Bishop
Head of the Christian Orthodox Cultural Center
