[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by noeticknight

agree that the collection of knowledge requires effort and storage, whether we’re shelving books in the den, or mentally digesting the latest philosophical exposition on why God must exist. It’s a lot of work. I suppose this is why they say “ignorance is bliss.” In my opinion, there are basically two categories of knowledge: useless and useful. The color of my neighbor’s bathroom tile is useless knowledge, to me at least. Understanding that I need nourish my body by eating food and drinking water would fall under useful.

I've thought of that same quote, "Ignorance is bliss". Children truly enjoy this. By knowing less, they enjoy more of the things that matter and see other human beings through a completely different lens than adults.

I guess the usefulness of knowledge depends on the person. To one, it may be useless but to another useful. I'm color blind. A colored tile of a certain color may be important to me, especially if I'm installing the tile. I can easily pick the wrong colored grout if I'm not careful.

Would you say that eating and drinking are more of an instinct (hunger leads us to eat without knowing), but eating the right things is where knowledge becomes important?

Motivations for acquiring knowledge can vary, depending upon the individual. Some enjoy leisurely learning, others want to rule the world, and end up making it their master. I wonder if by “pure knowledge,” you are speaking of absolute truth? I must mention here that knowledge without wisdom and understanding can be just as destructive. I will quote from one of your favorite authors

It is strange, the hunger some have for knowing. In school as a young boy, I literally hated history class and reading books of any kind. Today, I'm a completely different person. I wouldn't say I'm obsessed, but I really desire to know about the past. I love to dig in and "Find out".

What I mean about pure knowledge is the absolute ALL. As impure (born in sin), for us to have access to such truth, I don't believe we would even be in existence today. Look what we've done with the little we know. We are a few buttons away from total annihilation. Even Religion is in chaos with the little we know. It's just like money. The more you have, the more powerful you are. Our human spirit can only handle so much power before self destructing. If Satan, who was a heavenly being, fell by his power, what would happen to us?

My feeling is, and feel free to correct me on this, that because we are imperfect, we take Truth in the measure that we have it concerning God and turn it into a power ploy. The many denominations of the World seem to prove this. They all create their Atom Bombs. The all split Atoms. And those who don't follow their way, they will be Nuked (Go to Hell).

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet

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Funny you should pick my buddy, Solomon. Good choice! A man with the greatest of wisdom and knowledge. Where did it take him? What was his end?

1But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:

2Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

3And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.

4For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.

This was the end of a man who apparently was wiser than all.

So, would you still prefer the blissful ignorance of Eden, with fine gold and silver under every bush…or do you agree with Solomon that wisdom and understanding is the better deal?

I honestly believe, God's original intent for Man in the Garden was all he needed. This state was enough. God said it was good.

I do find it interesting that Jesus prayed in a Garden before he was led away to be crucified.