The Human Quest for Knowledge

                  No doubt, most of us hunger for Knowledge. For that, we are willing to go wherever we can get Knowledge. That is indeed a wonderful endeavour of humans. Another wonderful aspect is the way we look at Knowledge.

Perspectives on Knowledge

         How does the world look at Knowledge? Even in academic settings, our grasp can be flawed. As one student humorously said, “Galileo had a great mind, Einstein had a genius mind, Newton had an extraordinary mind, Bill Gates has a brilliant mind, and we students—never Mind.”

Types of Knowledge

         Knowledge can have different types, varying from 2 to 6, depending on how we look at it. However, broadly speaking, Knowledge can be classified into two categories: ‘Material & Spiritual’.

Material vs. Spiritual Knowledge

         The question would be, which is important and which should be possessed? To lead a good life, we need both. We can’t be on the extreme end of either, strictly Material or Spiritual.

Material Knowledge: A Path to a Good Lifestyle

 Material knowledge in the form of academic Knowledge helps us live our lives by getting employment or entering into a business venture. What we are looking at is money for a good lifestyle. Our academic Knowledge helps us earn money.

There is a great difference between a good lifestyle and a good life. Material knowledge can give us a great lifestyle but not a great life.

Spiritual Knowledge: A Path to a Good Life

Spiritual Knowledge gives us a great life and not a great lifestyle.

Differences Between Lifestyle and Life

Understanding the difference between ‘lifestyle’ and ‘life’ is crucial. Material knowledge can give us money and a great lifestyle but does nothing for our inner well-being. Therefore, one needs Spiritual Knowledge’ to live a good life of contentment, control and satisfaction.

Quantity vs. Quality

Material knowledge is about quantity, often leading to stress and depression despite outward well-dressed appearances. In contrast, spiritual Knowledge is about quality, and we need a balance of both.

Proving vs. Improving

Material knowledge makes us prove ourselves to the world, while spiritual Knowledge helps us improve ourselves. Improvement is visible to others, so focus on personal growth.

Going Through Life vs. Growing Through Life

Material knowledge helps us go through life, while spiritual Knowledge enables us to grow through life.

Information Overload vs. Transformation   

Material knowledge often overwhelms us with information, in fact, a variety of information. In contrast, Spiritual Knowledge or Para-vidya transforms us, aiding in dealing with bad habits, changing attitudes, and improving behaviour.

How many of us would want to deal with our bad habits? Internal or external? Does Material Knowledge or academic knowledge help with this?

How many of us would like to change our attitude? To be in a positive attitude despite failures? And does Material knowledge help in this?

How many of us would like to change our behavioural patterns and character? And does Material knowledge help in this?

The Pitfalls of Material Knowledge

What is generally seen is that Material Knowledge can lead to arrogance and audacity and even create an air around them; the higher they go up, the more they think of themselves as something. Though this is not true for everyone, it is a common characteristic.

Please understand that I am not talking of all, not talking of everyone, and not generalizing. But I see it generally as a characteristic of Material knowledge. After all, Knowledge is meant to breed humility.

So, let us all tread life knowledgeably and willingly to make it meaningful and satisfying.

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Ref: Gaur Gopaldas