The Duality of Knowledge

The process of continually being forced to reassess and reframe one’s point of view on a whole host of issues induces a deep sense of humility. I am becoming less and less convinced of absolute truths, although I do believe that there are certain axiomatic (self-evident) moral truths which, if adhered to consistently, will ultimately enrich one’s life and the life of those around them. Despite that, one of the reoccurring themes I have come to understand, evident across a broad array of disciplines and historical time periods, is the duality of life. Everything has an opposite effect — it is the real world application of Newton’s third law of motion, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. Life is a series of trade-offs. The acquisition of knowledge is no different, and I have found that with increasing knowledge comes an increasing experience of two polar opposite emotional states: awe and cynicism.

You get to choose which one you entertain.

Awe

One of the beautiful upsides of knowledge is awe. Not only does knowledge reduce dogmatic ignorance — thus increasing tolerance, empathy and compassion for ‘the other’ — but it also gifts one with a great degree of humility, which in turn reduces arrogance and absolute convictions. I believe that humility and awe are inextricably interlinked. A simple cursory glance at the stars, or a consideration of how many human beings have lived in history and are now forgotten about, leaves one feeling rather humbled — albeit no less significant. The temporary nature of our existence embeds every one of our actions with an immense degree of meaning, and demands that we treat ourselves and everyone around us with the utmost of reverence.

The miraculousness of our existence as a species has traditionally been framed in language monopolised by (or certainly associated with) religion, such that we are ‘divine’ creatures, and that that in and of itself is justification for our species existence. I happen to really like this kind of language from a direct experience perspective, but there is a wonderful derivation of our collective importance to be found in the scientific language too, with the realisation that we are “atoms observing other atoms” (a la physicist Brian Cox), the only known instance of such a phenomenon in this universe.

Knowledge and information induces a greater awareness about existentially vital considerations such as the sustainability of the one and only known planet that supports human life, and for the reduction of unnecessary suffering on both human and non-human species. Every generation falls into the trap of thinking that they are the most advanced and enlightened generation in all of human history (in terms of technical progress they usually are but nevertheless we are always susceptible to timeless human characteristics, such as tribalism, arrogance and greed) yet I estimate that history will view our treatment of industrially farmed animals as analogous to human slavery, and the commercial exploitation of our planet as self-defeating as the belief in a flat Earth once was.

Cynicism

“There is nothing quite so tragic as a young cynic, because it means the person has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing,” — Maya Angelou

Knowledge means knowing more about how the world works. This is precisely why it inspires awe, because the world, and human ingenuity, are so amazing. But as I alluded to earlier, the duality of life explains why we are capable of such good and such evil. If you look in the right places (or perhaps, the wrong places) you will find rather grim examples of how humans have treated one another throughout history. Even a surface level knowledge of the imperialist motivations behind Western twentieth century invasions of soverign nations (with democratically elected governments) would leave one questioning the very nature of the human condition and the perceived truth of taught historical narratives.

Unfortunately there are endless examples of horrific instances of exploitation and crimes against humanity which stain the annals of history. But one of the core tenants of The Ithaca Diaries is an aspiration to highlight the beauty and wonder of life, existence and all the individuals past and present who make this so. I aspire to reject the stranglehold of cynicism and instead celebrate the ingenuity and progress we have made as a human species.

Knowledge and Progress

Knowledge is dangerous. For knowledge empowers the individual and equips them with the capacity to think for themselves. Not only does knowledge result in intellectual expansion and growth, but in my opinion it too creates the potential for a moral and ethical awakening. The realisation that you were fortunate enough to be born into a life of privilege and opportunity enables one to realise that those with tendencies towards ‘regressive’ attitudes or ways of living were not born morally inferior vis a vis a more progressive thinking person, but rather their nurturing and their environment did not allow for an evolution in their intellectual and moral horizons. Such an understanding leads to a greater sense of empathy and tolerance, which in turn leads to less conflict and more peace in the world.

A Choice

“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light”. — Dylan Thomas

We don’t know what we don’t know. Therefore it can be hard to know what to focus on. This is one of the reasons why ignorance may be bliss, and while it is certainly the easier path it is not the noble path. The acquisition and pursuit of knowledge can be psychologically destructive and chaotic. However I think that as a long term strategy such a willingness to induce this type of uncertainty and intellectual challenge can only be a good thing, but that is not to say that the intervening period will be a time without hardship and self-doubt. Anything of real significance demands that we sacrifice a part of ourselves as an offering in exchange. With the right intentions and state of mind, this can be a burning of the egoic self to reveal your truer, higher Self (what the Hindu’s called the ‘Atman’). By definition this is not an easy process, but ultimately it is the right one.

Humility, which then leads to awe, is the noble path to choose in the face of cynicism.

The Ithaca Diaries