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4 I The Best Online Education System in the world
KNOWLEDGE IS NOT WISDOM
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Knowledge-intensive tasks require a certain degree and kind of uncommon expertise. Not everyone can be a
teacher, a scientist, a mathematician. Each and every discipline has their own set of parameters that should be
met by practitioners. We can not all be masters, some of us have to be servants, too. If we could all be masters,
imagine the chaos there would be in this already-confused world. We may never get any work done because
everyone would be too busy trying to get heard, admired or obeyed.
Knowledge-intensive tasks require dedication, both in small and big ways. If a scientist is not willing to explore
tirelessly to prove knowledge, he can never hope to make truly scientific breakthroughs in his particular field. If
the early mathematicians had not subjected their theories and theorems to endless tests, we in the present
would not be enjoying (??!!) the world of math that we live in. If our teachers and professors from days past
had not decided to explore learning with us by their side, we wouldn’t have become what we have become
now.
Even the great Albert Einstein once said: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own
reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of
the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every
day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” This is why his theory of relativity stands to be the greatest transformational
concept
to
ever
rule
physics
and
astronomy
during
the
20th
century.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity) And yet, very humbly he has also declared thus: Whoever
undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.
Those latter words are a word of caution to the wise: they should never believe themselves to be totally
infallible despite their profound learning and experience, for there will always be someone somewhere greater
than they are. This does not discount the fact that people with advanced degrees are infinitely more qualified
to handle knowledge-intensive tasks within their field. They have invested time, effort, resources, and yes,
knowledge to get to where they are. But such people should never be smug in their ivory towers because even
towers will fall. So will proud men who find that self-conceit covers up for their inadequacies.
Knowledge-intensive tasks require great, humble men to perform them. They do not thrive with pride in
oneself and prejudice against many others.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Why should intelligence be coupled with humility?
2.
What makes absolute knowledge a source of pride for most people?
3.
Is the kind of schooling a sufficient standard for one’s status in life? Why or why not?
4.
If you could specialize in one particular body of knowledge, what would it be and why?
5.
Do you believe that all people are inherently intelligent? Inherently wise? Why or why not?