2007-12-22 10:11:24 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
YES. Too much knowledge does make us dumb.
EDIT:
A great example of this are those who have received a formal degree in philosophy. In my anecdotal interactions with many such graduates, I find that they have vast knowledge of the topic, but they are ironically un-philosophical. They tend to think that they've "arrived" so to speak, at the shores of an examined life because of the hard work and subsequent knowledge they posess regarding philosophy. This impressive, and even intimidating, array of knowledge is more of a burden than a blessing for them.
Many a "Keeper Of Odd Knowledge" (aka KOOK) has thought himself to be smart because of it. Knowledge is just a tool, it can be used incorrectly just like any other tool.
When viewed incorrectly, knowledge can actually even serve as an impediment to wisdom.
If wisdom cannot be reached, how in god's name can the knowledgeable ever become philosophical?
Moderation in all things is the key. Especially the love of knowledge...but even the love of wisdom as well...
2007-12-22 10:28:37 · answer #1 · answered by M O R P H E U S 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
No. You just have to have an efficient mental 'filing system' and have to understand your own core truths. That way, you do not get overwhelmed by the opinions of others and are able to 'place'them within your understanding. If you are feeling that it is 'all too much' then I would suggest that you step back and have a break, so that you can re-focus on what you hope to gain from all this knowledge sifting!
2007-12-22 19:00:44 · answer #2 · answered by purple nurple 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not if it is coupled with understanding. I am assuming you are utilizing "dumb" in the vernacular as in stupid, ignorant or lacking in intelligence. If ones knowledge of a given subject matter is rapidly followed by a pursuit of understanding of said subject, it will not provide a pathway to "dumb"ness regardless of the amount of knowledge. If one develops any repository of knowledge without gleaning meaning and understanding from it, he will become "dumb" regardless of the volume or lack there of of said repository.
Good luck and God Bless.
2007-12-22 18:18:39 · answer #3 · answered by Pee Amigo No 3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has anyone seen the movie(out on DVD for rent), "Peaceful Warrior"......it's about an olympian who has to face himself squarely and find out who he is due to a certain event that overtakes him. Anyway there is a Guru, that tells him, "......Knowledge is knowing what to do, Wisdom is doing it."
In short, I don't think it's knowledge, per se that makes us dumb, but the fear or reluctance, we have for putting it to good use, yes?
2007-12-22 18:30:41 · answer #4 · answered by SophiaSeeker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, but all the knowledge in the world will do you no good if you have no comprehension and understanding of what that knowledge really means. Wisdom is what sets the elite from the non-elite and humanity from beasts.
2007-12-22 18:15:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are right. Though in a different sense perhaps.
There is a saying.'empty vessels make the loudest noise'.
Complete knowledge leads to total silence.
2007-12-22 21:41:22 · answer #6 · answered by A.V.R. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, the belief that you know as much as you need to does. As the Shakespeare quote goes, "The fool doth think he is wise and the wise man doth think he is a fool." Or something like that.
You can learn as much as you like as long as you don't get arrogant about it.
2007-12-22 18:20:09 · answer #7 · answered by Victoria 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IT wont make us dumb, but it will make us feels dumb. cause the more you know, you will realise the more you dont know!
2007-12-22 19:06:39 · answer #8 · answered by Sickxually Inactive 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, It forces us to see logic of what we know, in every small day-to-day thing delaying our measures required.
2007-12-23 02:07:34 · answer #9 · answered by ADS 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LoL. Bring on the Boy God and Ill tell you.,
2007-12-23 10:35:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋