On Not Knowing and Being Humble

Thomas à Kempis

?"There is naturally a desire for knowledge in every man, but what good is knowledge? ?It's better to be a lowly peasant connected to spirit than a proud philosopher who contemplates the stars and neglects to understand himself. ?He who knows himself well disregards the praise or criticism of others.

?Avoid the excessive desire for knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. ?Those who have knowledge and want to appear learned and wise are fools. ?Many things are known that are useless to the soul. ?And it's unskillful to attend to things that do not nourish the soul. ?Many eloquent words will not satisfy you.?However, a spiritual life will refresh your mind, and connection to Infinite Intelligence will give you great confidence and peace.

?Be not uplifted up by any skill or knowledge that you possess. ?If it seems that you know many things and understand them well, know that there are many more things that you do not know. ?Be not high-minded, but rather confess your ignorance. ?Why do you desire to lift yourself above another when many more learned and skilled than you are found? ?If you come to learn anything in this life, it is that you know nothing except yourself and your connection to the Source.?That is the highest and most profitable lesson.

?To that, add this great and perfect wisdom: always think kindly and highly of others. ?Even if you see your neighbor err openly or grievously, do not reckon yourself better than he, for you know not how long you be shalt error-free."

David Langiulli

?I worked with so-called "faculty experts" in higher education for many years.

?In my experience, these folks get caught up in what Stephen Covey used to call: "the thick of thin things."

?Many of them were not humble, and I found very few who were connected to Spirit or Source.

?There was some kind of intelligence but no recognition of Infinite Intelligence.

?When it comes to acquiring knowledge, I am fond of the Zen saying: "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind, there are few."

As someone "well-educated" early in life in math, science, and engineering, I can share that I have gladly forgotten most of what the industrial education complex attempted to cram into my mind.

?As Seargent Shultz from Hogan's Heroes used to say: "I know nothing!"

And that has opened up space for possibilities:

• ?The possibility of love
• The possibility of creativity
• The possibility of connection to Source

?It also opened me up to compassion for others.?

?Compassion is NOT a form of knowledge.?Compassion comes from the heart (not a textbook). ?It's a way we can sense the suffering of others and long for them to be free from suffering.?

Thomas à Kempis was a medieval monk and author of The Imitation of Christ.

David Langiulli is an Author, Philosopher, and Executive Coach. This essay is an excerpt from his forthcoming book: Wisdom from the Middle Ages for Living in Modern Times.