We have
accumulated a vast amount of knowledge in our human experience. Knowledge
enables day to day living and the development of those things that enhance and
improve the quality of living. We build machines to make life easier and
improve medical data to fight disease and improve the quality of our lives.
Knowledge is wonderful, but it is not enough.
What we do
with our knowledge, our data, our information is critical and essential to
consider in the equation of living. When Einstein “understood” the meaning of
his knowledge for the development of atomic energy and military use, he became
increasingly wary and critical. Knowledge without understanding does not
guarantee responsible use. Because we can (knowledge) does not mean we should
(understanding).
However,
knowledge and understanding are still not enough. Without wisdom, the
discernment of good judgment and insight guided by constructive, life affirming
values of love and compassion, the potential consequences of knowledge and
understanding are destruction and chaos. I only repeat what others have
observed: we are the first generation with the capacity to terminate ourselves
and life as we know it on this planet. We stand at the crossroads.
One choice
is hatred, violence, racism, ethnocentrism, self-absorption, division,
isolation, arrogance, intolerance. Its incarnation are legion and vocal. The
other is love, compassion, tolerance, humility, rejection of violence
personally and as a society, inclusiveness, and recognition of the integrity
and worth of all humankind. These values are at the heart of ALL wisdom
traditions. Their reality requires transformation of us individually and as a
society.
We
desperately need emotional and moral maturity to accompany our intellectual
abilities.
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