Conscious Ignorance
Yes, I see the light…
At the age of fourteen, I had an ‘a-ha’ moment where I was, at least momentarily, able to visualize the entirety of Einstein’s theory of relativity. More than just understanding the concept, I could ‘see’ how it worked. It was one of the greatest moments in my life. There’s very little hope that I could adequately describe how this clarity felt. Suffice to say I have spent most of my life pursuing that feeling. I’ve come close, but sadly, have not experienced it again.
I don’t speak of this out of a need to brag, but to illustrate a point. Personally, I love acquiring new information, but I have been chastised, shunned, ignored, and ridiculed for doing so. The only difference between being an intelligent child and an intelligent adult is the disdain directed towards me is now much more clandestine. No one is knocking my books out of my hands or sucker-punching me in the face anymore. Instead, as it is ‘acceptable’ behaviour for adults, being shunned and ignored is now much more the norm.
…now, TURN IT OFF!
The question is: why do we avoid learning? Even information that doesn’t really help us in our present situation can ultimately be of some use at a future date, like how toothpaste on a pimple will dry it out overnight. Sure, that’s not going to help you with the power point presentation you’re trying to put together, but it might when your three-year-old hits puberty.
“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy,” said Hamlet, suggesting that his academically-minded friend accept that he is conversing with his dead father. Fifty years ago, would you advertize your belief in the spirit world? Nowadays, you’re more likely to be scoffed at if you claim ghosts don’t exist.
In the fifteenth century, all of Europe KNEW the Earth was flat, and those that suggested otherwise were at best labeled as crazy or idiotic, and at worst burned at the stake for heresy. Likewise, the idea of ‘germs’, little animals so small they couldn’t be seen living inside our bodies, could cause sickness and even death was considered ‘dangerous thinking’ by the existing medical community. At least until the Black Plague took a third of the entire European population.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. That is the danger. Life is about adaptation, and as much as the cave you’re in will keep you safe from the storm, staying within it will lead to starvation.
“The only thing constant in life is change,” said Francois de la Rochefoucauld. As well, he said, “No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.”
I submit that a vast majority of the conflicts in this world, regardless of their level, are caused by those that will not even entertain the possibility their opponent's argument may have validity. Religious differences begin with what the name of the governing deity is, but more often than not, the concepts of the religions are similar, so what is really being argued?
Taoist Chang Tzu suggests that since everything imaginable is possible, there is no need to argue at all. Is the creator of the universe called God, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, Krishna, Shangdi, or Dios? Is “God”, for those who are religious, the same as the “cosmic consciousness” for those of a more spiritual bend? Is it possible that all these entities are merely representations of a superior force we hope exists to give meaning and relevance to life and reality? If your neighbour bakes a tasty chocolate cake, does it matter if her baking method is different than yours? The one thing that most (unfortunately, not all) of the world’s religions suggest as ‘appropriate behaviour’ is to be kind and respectful to our neighbours, regardless of their personal beliefs. Imagine a world where we focused on people’s intentions, and not their procedures.
Is your fear of looking foolish so severe that you would sacrifice higher knowledge? How foolish is that? Another way to look at it is; if you’ve already learned everything you need to know, how intelligent could you possibly be? In the end, when we face ourselves in the ‘cosmic mirror’ and look back at our own decisions, will being stubborn prove to be more important than accepting as much of the universe as possible and allowing all that knowledge in to enrich our experiences with more points of view? Don’t let your fear-based ego get in the way of enriching your life.
Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” No one knows everything about anything. Therefore, the wise man always accepts that there is more to learn, and new knowledge may come from the most unlikely of places. If you think you’re done with your education, good luck to you. If you think you can learn more, the world is your classroom, and every person your teacher. If you believe that everything can teach you something, everything will, and the incalculable beauty of life will never cease to astound you.
By the way, there's a chance everything I’ve just written is wrong. In the very least, incomplete. My education, and hopefully your own, will continue.
As always, the decision is entirely up to you. (However, the consequences might be felt by others.)
See the light, feel the love, and find the strength to become more.
Michael B.
Recent Comments
7
How eloquently written Michael. I agree completely in the concept of ever learning, and have tried to avoid or limit the time I must spend with those who don't value that concept. Authoritarians throughout time, religious and political, have been detrimental to human understanding. I thoroughly enjoy reading your perspective.
Thank you, all, for your support and kind words. I am humbled by your appreciation and inspired at the same time. More to come!
You did it again! Great post, my friend. It's been fun to go through your writings. Thanks for the enlightenment and fun.
I learn something everyday from people I chat to about what may be nothing to some but everything to them.
To learn you have to communicate and if you don't, then you won't learn anything.
Brillianr piece of work! It is true - I have never met anyone I could not learn something from. Even if it was just how not to do something, :>)
I can sincerely say that I have found a place where, my education will continue following your value rich blog posts here within WA.
Yes its true and I mean it.
From the last few days, after joining WA, I am exposed to the best education (in my opinion) that I could have in terms of learning about Affiliate Marketing & Personal Success following Kyle & some great fellow members.
Proud to be part of this wonderful WA Community! - Joe