Analysis Of Hugh Nibley's Article Zeal Without Knowledge

During the first few weeks of class we’ve gone through various texts in order to better our understanding of human knowledge. We have talked about Christianity St. Matthew “The Sermon on the Mount”, Plato and “The Allegory of the Cave”, “The Four Idols” of Sir Francis Bacon, Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall”, and even Carl Jung and “The Structure of the Psyche”. All these texts may have been written in different eras and different places, but they have one thing in common, and that is their understandings of human nature and knowledge, and how they demonstrate to us epistemology (how we know) and metaphysics (what human beings know).

There is something powerful about knowledge. Knowledge makes one know things that they did not know before. It helps them gain insight about issues that are seen in the world. It opens up eyes to see things through a different perspective, a perspective that they never thought of or seen without getting a gaining an understanding of that certain type of knowledge. Knowledge helps one make decisions and how to handle certain situations. Knowledge allows one to succeed in school and get acceptable grades, discern what is right and wrong, and leads to wisdom. When knowledge is limited; children and society are being naïve and lazy, people are not able to express the freedom of speech that is possible in this nation, and it ruins countries.

The second leg of thinking is the processing of that knowledge; once a believer receives knowledge, he or she must know how to process that information in light of God and the Scriptures. While everyone thinks

My name is Dylan James Nitchey. I am a sophomore at Turtle Lake High School. I am an A-honor roll and a three sport athlete. I live with my Mom, Dad, and brothers, Kody, Wyatt, JT. I love to be outdoors, and play sports. I will present to you the story of my life.

Instead, as stated by Native American philosophy, knowledge is founded upon one's experiences with the world and the places around them

Jamie Holmes’ article The Case for Teaching Ignorance links with our Honors Summer Assignment in multiple ways. She cites Stuart J. Firestein, the same man who introduced us to the idea of ignorance in his Ted Talk: The Pursuit of Ignorance, and they both came upon this concept when learning that their students were under the false impression that we knew everything we need to know because of the one thousand page textbook. In addition, she also puts an emphasis on the importance of “answers breeding questions” (Holmes 2). Throughout the summer assignment we focused on knowledge generating ignorance and questions, this article forces us to remember this concept and provides us with a new method to understand it. Holmes uses Michael Smithson’s metaphor of an island of knowledge (Holmes 2) to allow us to gain a new perspective on how knowledge and ignorance are connected. Because of this idea, I was able to further understand that it is questions that drive our desire to know more and “grow” the island and its shoreline.

In today’s society, education has shifted the way in how one thinks, making a basis were they acquire everyone in a classroom to grasp the knowledge being presented to them at the same pace. Those that are unsuccessful to comprehend in the way that was instructed to them are viewed upon as the most needed and deficient. Having a structured way in how one should apprehend certain information, sets barriers in the process of thinking. It prevents the mind to think of other solutions, and to stick to the certain idea.

“Do or do not,” says Yoda, in the acclaimed science fiction movie Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, “there is no try” (Empire). This quote is perhaps the most famous of the character’s, and perhaps one of the most famous in the whole franchise. It highlights an idea that the scene perpetuates: the fact you intend to do something doesn’t matter, only whether or not it is done. This is not a perfect metaphor for the application of knowledge, but it fits in rather easily. Without an effect, an application, all you have is abstract knowledge – that trying that Yoda denies – and in that way value has been diminished. Two areas of knowledge which especially highlight the values and limitations of that claim are the natural sciences and religion.

Nobody was born with the knowledge that we have now, so in order to prosper as a student, a Christian, or a servant we must be willing to accept we are not equipped with all the knowledge and skills we need for eternity. As Christians, we must continually learn about God and His plan for our lives. As students, we must learn how to multiply and divide, so that we can go further in math to be fully-functioning adults in the future. As servants, we must develop new ways of serving others whether it be a new way of communication or a new trade such as building. This willingness allows a leader and servant to be adaptable and to be able to accomplish what needs to be

The path from ignorance to knowledge can look different for each individual. The pursuit of truth emerges as a fundamental aspect that guides our journey towards enlightenment. This pursuit not only leads people to truth, but to a broader understanding of how things work. This involves an individual to pursue the truth, question authority, and transform once one has finally broken from ignorance. These themes are explored through Sophocle’s play Antigone, Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, and the biblical passage Sermon on the Mount.

“Thinkers aren't limited by what they know, because they can always increase what they know. Rather they're limited by what puzzles them, because there's no way to become curious about something that doesn't puzzle you. If a thing falls outside the range of people's curiosity, then they simply cannot make inquiries about it. It constitutes a blind spot — a spot of blindness that you can't even know is there until someone draws your attention to it.” Daniel Quinn, My Ishmael

At present, humanity has vast amounts of knowledge, but still very little wisdom. Buckminster Fuller called this time our final evolutionary exam. Is our species fit to survive? Can we develop the wisdom that will allow us to use our prodigious powers for our own good, and for that of many generations to come? The question then arises: What can we do to facilitate the development of wisdom? This is where the wisdom traditions—the spiritual traditions found throughout human culture—have their value. They are often seen as simply religions, but most of the great religions were seeded by wise people, people who had, in one way or another, awoken to the deeper truths of life and then sought to share their wisdom with

Plato once said, “Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.” Some believe that the desire for knowledge and the emotions that arise from it can be dangerous. This assumption is incorrect because possessing vast amounts of knowledge causes many positive impacts everywhere. Knowledge is not dangerous because it causes advancements in the lives of others which leads to a more harmonious society.

perfect fulfillment on earth requires understanding, and a true understanding can be reached only through

“When the Bible stated “Ignorance is bliss” sarcasm was fabricated. Living an educated, informed, and aware life represents the best life and college and goals personify the biggest helps.”