To know or not to know

[Esote]

The more I know, the more I know that I don't know.

It seems that everything is related to one's point of view, to one's subjective situation.
From another angle, getting into somebody else's shoes so to say, what you think is true may appear to be different, if not false.

Where is objectivity when knowing that no average human knows better than it's own subjectivity ?
In a gathering of subjectivities, partly or mainly driven by core beliefs ?
Then, what prevails is the law of the stronger (gathering), which doesn't make it truer...

And so it's very uneasy (at least for me now) to deal with opinions and take actions according to them, in real life collective issues.
How do you know this one is the right choice ? Because other(s) say it so and it pleases you ?
When you know that you don't know, who knows ? Everybody has part of the answer from it's own point of view, but how can it be true ?

Knowledge protects, ignorance endangers...
Believing that you know, not knowing that you don't know is a real threat.
Wouldn't the protection of knowledge ultimately be detachment, from beliefs, opinions, and even knowledge itself ?

 

[Palinurus]

Hi Eos,

Yes, it can be stumping, debilitating and paralyzing at times when this sorry state of affairs really sinks in and you viscerally realize to the full how the confusion of tongues and concepts dominates the exterior circle of humanity. And you suffer from the lack of understanding all around you and within you as well -- not to mention the resulting chaos and uncertainties.

Here's a topic that might alleviate your stress and transform the friction into something useful (just in case you don't know it already) : What is Truth?

In the social sciences we have a work-around called Inter-subjectivity. That subject (and much more) was discussed in this topic: my ignorance.

Undoubtedly, there are many more topics in the same vein to be found around here when you use the search function and consult the glossary.

Hope this helps a bit. :)

EDITED to add: this recent post of loreta is also highly relevant.

 

[Esote]

Thank you Palinurus for your kind words and useful links.
Take care

 

[Cosmos]

The more I know, the more I know that I don't know.

It seems that everything is related to one's point of view, to one's subjective situation.
From another angle, getting into somebody else's shoes so to say, what you think is true may appear to be different, if not false.

Where is objectivity when knowing that no average human knows better than it's own subjectivity ?
In a gathering of subjectivities, partly or mainly driven by core beliefs ?
Then, what prevails is the law of the stronger (gathering), which doesn't make it truer...

And so it's very uneasy (at least for me now) to deal with opinions and take actions according to them, in real life collective issues.
How do you know this one is the right choice ? Because other(s) say it so and it pleases you ?
When you know that you don't know, who knows ? Everybody has part of the answer from it's own point of view, but how can it be true ?

Knowledge protects, ignorance endangers...
Believing that you know, not knowing that you don't know is a real threat.
Wouldn't the protection of knowledge ultimately be detachment, from beliefs, opinions, and even knowledge itself ?

Hey Eos,

this article might be of help to you and especially the part on "Objective Reality":
http://www.sott.net/article/244527-The-Necessity-of-Disillusionment

 

[Esote]

Thank you too for your link Pashalis.

Actually, I see that there are three kinds of knowledge. A practical one, a theoretical one and a "spiritual" one.

Practical knowledge allows to use technical means which are very helpful.
Theoretical knowledge gives a better understanding of basic laws of life.
Spiritual knowledge is a search for the truth, based on an understanding of objective reality.

There is no end to any kind of knowledge, there is always more to learn.
That's why I think that detachment is essential. When you know that you don't have the whole picture and never will, you can strive to grow your learning and your will so that your choices may freely fulfill what you are here and now, in some kind of shared accomplishment.

I agree that " It is by sharing with each other our own unique and particular point of view, and really listening to others when they share theirs, that we can broaden our horizons and come closer to understanding the objective reality of any event or situation".

Yet , this is where it is so difficult: others really listening !

Anyway I'm gonna have to do some more reading...

 

[Esote]

Found this :

...
I don't know. I know very little. But one of the very few things that I do know is that I am always thirsty for new knowledge, so I am spending every free minute to learn more and more and more. And the more I learn, the more I realize how deep is my ignorance. And then I smile, I thank God for giving me this opportunity, and I continue ....

Humility, humor, gratitude and perseverance... OK !
:)