Sometime we look up to people that have much knowledge; that are knowledgeable. But is possessing knowledge always a sign of virtue? Some knowledge is good, while some is bad. How do we make the difference? It has been said that a tree is known by its fruits. It is a great statement but one that assesses a situation after the fact, like “Oooops, maybe I shouldn't have learned that!” I can right now think of a girl my wife and I helped to go to college. We housed her and gave her free childcare so she could get an education. Looking back now, we realise that whereas she learned some good things, a particular class that appealed to her wrecked her life and she is now in prison. How do we get ahead of the curve then? How do make sure to chose good knowledge?
It's like fishing. We do not prepare a fishing line with a bait if we desire to catch a whale, neither do use a harpoon to catch sardines. We first think of our targeted catch, then we prepare the equipment necessary to catch it. The same goes with safari hunting. We wouldn’t catch an elephant with lasso, nor a rhinoceros with a net. It is important therefore, before launching into a study, that we first define what it is that we want to learn and why. What are the desired results?Do we want to learn economics so we can be sure to be one step ahead of everybody, or so we can create economic systems that promote parity? Do we learn science and chemistry in order to build bombs or create médecine? As the type of food we want for dinner will define the tool we will use for fishing or hunting, the role we seek to fulfil in society should define the direction of our training and learning. God has put in front of us the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. While giving us the freedom to chose, He forbade us to eat from that tree; I guess He could see the results ahead of time. Today, as science and knowledge increases, this choice is still set before us as we wake up every morning. May we keep positive goals before us so our hearts will be drawn to the knowledge that makes us into individuals that positively benefit society. Happy fishing, hunting, and learning!
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