If knowledge is not to run the mind amok…

A king once is quoted as exclaiming to an ancient philosopher that “much knowledge has made you mad.” In the cliche, “ignorance is bliss” we have reiteration of the notion that fear of knowledge is entertained in some quarters. With the realization in tow that there is precedent for transformation of the cliche that “knowledge is power” into “knowledge (power) can run you mad”, and with the movie “A Beautiful Mind” as perhaps the most recent precedent for knowledge can run you mad, we arrive at the conclusion that there perhaps is merit to fear of knowledge.

Regardless of merits of fear of knowledge, it is straightforward to conclude that a world without any knowledge is tantamount to a world lacking in human beings who are self aware. For in order for each day to have meaning, from waking up in the morning to laying down at night to sleep, every activity is an application or demonstration of knowledge.

In the realization that people with Alzheimer’s — people who have lost their knowledge — do not remember necessity of brushing their teeth, we arrive at importance of knowledge for performance of the most mundane activities of everyday life.