Knowledge: Friend or Foe?
by Most of us consider knowledge to be desired; a good thing to acquire. Yet there are situations according to some of the “great minds” of the world when knowledge is not beneficial.
History has provided us with a huge assembly of brilliant individuals who have spoken memorable words about knowledge being either a benefit or problematic.
Positive Thoughts
The following well known individuals have provided these positive thoughts on knowledge. (All quotes are from “Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 17thEdition. A reference number follows each quote.)
John Adams
John Adams expressed knowledge as being the preservation of liberty.
“Liberty can not be preserved without a general knowledge among the people who have a right to know…” Page 350.17
Frances Bacon
Frances Bacon perceived knowledge to give pleasure, provide province, and to be power.
“For all knowledge and wonder (which is the seed of knowledge) is an impression of pleasure in itself.” Page 166.2
“I have taken all knowledge to be my province (or branch of learning).” Page 165.2
“Knowledge is power.” Page 166.1
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard maintained knowledge was existence.
“All essential knowledge relates to existence, or only such knowledge as has an essential relationship to existence is essential knowledge.” Page 501.10
John Locke
John Locke perceived knowledge as protection against the world.
“The only fence against the world is thorough knowledge of it.” Page 286.12
John Henry Cardinal Newman
The perception of knowledge to John Henry Cardinal Newman was as a treasure and a reward for labor.
“There is a knowledge which is desirable, though nothing come of it, as being of itself a treasure, and a sufficient remuneration of years of labor.” Page 450.2
Socrates
Socrates defined knowledge as being the only good in life.
“There is only one good – knowledge, and there is only one evil – ignorance.” Page 72.6
All these thought about knowledge probably most of us would accept or agree are accurate descriptions of knowledge. But can knowledge be a problem for us? There are many great minds who will attest knowledge can be problematic.
Negative Thoughts
Frances Bacon
Frances Bacon considered the extreme desire of knowledge would be a person’s downfall.
“The desire of power in excess caused angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall.” Page 167.19
Chuang-Tzu
It seems like a lot of knowledge is problematic. Chuang-Tzu thinks too much knowledge is a curse.
“Cherish that which is in you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse.” Page 83.1
Bernard De Voto
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Post Commenthrld
On March 10, 2009 at 6:41 am
I think the Bible is talking about mundane knowledge, not spiritual knowledge. It also says to all your knowledge, get understanding and praises knowledge contiually including knowledge of God and to be as wise as the serpent. No, no need to fear knowledge, rather fear ignorance and the control those have over it now. We need to take back control, not surrender it. It’s true you have to sift through a lot of garbage to find the gems, but if you don’t you only add more garbage by opening you mouth. OOO, that was so mean. LOL
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4232612861705916224&hl=en
Catelin Hoover
On March 10, 2009 at 3:33 pm
hrld
The Bible speaks of the only true knowledge; definitely spiritual, but also other types of knowledge…for example most any subject can be found in the Bible. Cults, Narcissism, marriage, business, comprehension, work, women’s rights, etc, etc., etc. And yes, there is some knowledge we should fear enough to avoid…knowledge that tends to prevert, to led a person down the road to destruction, or causes us to make unwise decisions. It seems my friend that you do not know much about the Bible, and could you be adding to the garbage which you speak?