“Knowledge is Power!” Sir Francis Bacon
Quotes are tools that help us remember important truths. The one above, was originally published in Latin as,“Scientia Potentia est” in 1668 by Bacon’s secretary, explaining the key separation factor between humans and other animals. Without a doubt, this application is true and we can benefit greatly from a more detailed understanding as to exactly what knowledge Sir Francis was referring.
The human race relies heavily on our ability to reason; our aptitude for solving problems. As someone who has researched this topic for over thirty years, I find it extremely interesting that our species becomes more academically advanced each year yet we struggle with many of the same problems our ancestors dealt with. This phenomenon is due, in part, to the fact that as our ability to communicate worldwide continues to improve as our capacity to expand truthful knowledge is dimensioning. Knowledge is only powerful if it is true and accepted.
Just like other animals, we share the desire to survive but we do differ, in that, many of us want more than just to survive, we want to thrive. This longing to excel drives us to use the knowledge we gain to solve new problems; not those tied to survival but that hinder our ability to be the best we can be. To make life more complicated, we are tribal animals, we must live in harmony with one another; this wrinkle requires us to rein in our competitive spirit with the use of ethical and moral behavior. The solutions we use to get ahead can’t be at the detriment of others.
Throughout the centuries, with each new problem we faced, we had to use our knowledge to first identify if we were facing a challenge or a burden. The distinction is personal and subtle but very important. A challenge is always within our power to overcome. A burden is outside of our ability to control. As an example, if I am a drug addict, it is a challenge for me because it is in my power to stop using if I so choose. If my spouse is the drug abuser, their use is my burden for as long as I choose to stay in the relationship or until the spouse decides to fix their problem.
We cannot change others; we can only change ourselves.
When it comes to knowledge, believe it or not, this is one of the most unrecognized truths in our ability to thrive. People spend a lifetime of misery, tiring to fix a burden they have no control over, because the person that has the control is not willing to acknowledge they have a problem. As a couple their choices are simple but emotionally immense; the one with the burden either choose to willingly endure the pain and suffering or chooses to get out of the relationship. The one with the problem must acknowledge the challenge and choose a commitment of living without drugs or be honest with the spouse, telling them that using is more important than the pain they are causing to the family.
Whether a burden or a challenge, the pain associated with either is real and can be accepted and bore freely. It all comes down to understanding your options and choosing to deal with the truth.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary” and Vice President, Education and Development at The American College of Financial Services