Power and Knowledge

Spanning the Centuries

Less than two centuries later, men with the names of Jefferson, and Adams, among others, are themselves giving birth to new ideas, and to man’s governance of himself. Jefferson, in particular, said that there were three men whose ideas had had pronounced effect upon his thoughts. These men were, Sir Issac Newton, John Locke, and Francis Bacon.

Of the three, Newton, and Locke offered finite rules, laws, and reasoning. Jefferson, surely, felt the impact of the thinking, and the strategies, upon his own thought. But, just as surely, it was Sir Francis Bacon who offered the promise of vision to see beyond all that was apparent, all that was possible. These later men, their way lit by a million candles from the past, went on to write a remarkable Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States of America. Inherently, the knowledge gained, was promise redeemed..

Of Smaller Note

A diamond cutter studies the unpolished stone in his hands. He searches meticulously, quietly. Answers elude him, and he sets back to work, searching anew. Are there flaws? Which axis is best to cut ? A decision is made, and work progresses. Eventually, a gem of star like beauty emerges, and is displayed in the finest of museums for all to see, and to appreciate. The gem stands in muted testimony to the artisan’s knowledge of doing such things in an exact manner.

A young child is taught by an able teacher, and in time, reasons for himself. He delights in the acquisition of new knowledge which leads him in a direction not sought by himself. He arrives at a place of better understanding, builds things, or solves stressing problems. The world is better for it all, and the sheer , dramatic enlightenment, overcomes everything in it’s way.

Conclusion

Sir Francis Bacon would understand, as would John Locke, Issac Newton, Thomas Jefferson, and john Adams. Life has always been reflective of those who show us the way with their greater knowledge. We, of the imperfect knowledge, strive to the end of our capabilities, and are rewarded for honest effort no less so. There is the greatest of power in the greatest of knowledge. Call it a constant of nature. Call it what you will, it is irrefutable.