Have you become too wise for your own good?

Has all the education and knowledge within reach obscured our purpose, the true sense of why we’re alive? What happened? Isn’t it time to wake up from this dream?

Humans didn’t always question whether a power greater than them could exist. They didn’t always believe they could quickly learn everything they needed to know, that they were the centre of the Universe or, that they were expected to be the best at something at the expense of others. When was the last time you excelled such that you looked past external disapproval?, past your perceived mistakes or failures?

It wasn’t always necessary to obtain evidence to prove life forms beyond Earth exist. There was a time when it was generally assumed and accepted. It wasn’t always regarded as bizarre or suspicious if you had faith in things beyond the scope of another person’s logic or imagination. Have you become too wise for your own good?

Role of Science

Science has come to be perceived as a socio- cultural authority. People working in the fields tend to be intelligent, ambitious, well-paid and rewarded with status and respect. More and more people refer to Science and technology for ‘acceptable’ explanations to mysteries and to mask inner fears. Loads of us think of Science as the dependable resource for health care services and advice, both assumed and expected to best improve health and well-being. Each view has its place.

At the same time, why is it that widespread beliefs in the validity of Science and related knowledge, have led humans to judge and criticize more? Why are people necessarily stronger or weaker, faster or slower, healthier or sicker, hopeless and terminal, even, preferably forgotten or discarded? Why do people focus on ego, on paths to quicker self-gratification, and with a lack of conscience or accountability? Why can working longer and harder also mean achieving greater emptiness?

Belief in Spirituality

There was a time when the vast majority of people understood that life in this world was a gift, an opportunity to plant whatever thoughts would enrich our souls. To be exposed to conditions which evoke feelings of intolerance, impatience, anxiety and fear, can be seen as opportunities in disguise. How will you choose to interpret your opportunities? Which lessons will you choose to retain, share and re-apply?

Belief in spirituality is like a choice we make to listen to our hearts rather than to our pride. It’s like choosing to lose your arrogance in favour of realizing who you are. This kind of learning doesn’t have to be seen as self-sacrifice. You may come to believe living without loving, without nurturing peace and hope, isn’t truly what life is all about. Recognize the value of your infinite light and inner power.

The Here & Hereafter

Some people believe in worlds beyond Earth. The Hereafter is one such place. It’s also a synonym for heaven, a place where diseases of hate, violence, jealousy, and other negative energy, simply don’t exist. Pure souls there have learned to only sense reason to experience love and compassion.  They sense without judgment.

From this view, life in the physical world offers opportunities to learn to discern right from wrong.  Passing over enables souls to sense their earthly lessons differently. Raising self-awareness becomes the ability to uncover love buried beneath broken trust, beneath other ‘unlikely’ circumstances. Souls realize to overcome struggle is to transcend their imagined shells of fear. They will help each of us help ourselves, if only we let them. We determine the path of our education.

Comments

[Brian]

Hi Liara,

I do not think that it is possible 'to become too wise for your own good'. I believe the real problem in the contexts you discuss is rampant dogmatism. ...and scientific as well as religious or political ideas (en masse, knowledge) can lead to inflexible and dogmatic attitudes that can be destructive to the positive aspects of other points of view. We should not be blindly accepting of alternative points of view--the world simple is not flat, for instance. I believe that it is the ability to soundly evaluate ideas from a variety of sources (including both those from accepted science and non-scientific perspectives) to lead a better life and further the sum world knowledge that is the essence of wisdom.

[Liara Covert]

Hi Brian.
Your views are welcome. Dogmatism or inflexibility describe kinds of perception. Some people express what they believe is "the right way" or "the only way." As you point out, people can be more limited or open-minded in their thinking. What each of us choose to notice or disregard about the world can be very enlightening.

Another way to look at it is to recognize new things about yourself. If you believe a person is "too wise for his or her own good," you are judging. To judge reveals things like intolerance, fear, impatience, insecurity, lack of confidence or lack of self-acceptance. All of this offers clues about our feelings. Its up to you to figure out why and work through it. The key is to become more discerning. Its always useful to self-reflect. After all, learning is part of everyone's purpose and dreams.