Power of Knowledge
Knowledge plays a vital role in all spheres of human life and activity. It is a powerful factor that helps man to attain success, power, and position in life. We can’t succeed in doing anything unless we know how it is done. A man, who does not know this, makes mistakes and fails. Without knowledge, nobody can hope to possess power. Knowledge and human power are synonymous. There is no doubt that physical strength and money are instruments of power
A man who is physically strong commands power over others. But the power of knowledge is greater. Knowledge and intelligence can tame and control wild animals and overpower wealthy persons. It is truly said that the brain is superior to the brain. Man is the weakest of all animals so far as physical strength is concerned. He is, however a thinking animal. Knowledge directs his actions and enables him to discriminate between right and wrong, good and bad. It helps him to overcome his weaknesses and faults and face dangers and difficulties with courage and confidence. It gives him mental, moral, and spiritual advancement.
Besides this, it is through knowledge that man has gained mastery over nature. There was a day when man was on a savage stage. He lived in caves and dens. He was afraid of wild animals. Gradually civilization dawned on human society and man acquired knowledge. With its attainment he became civilized. Now knowledge has made him a ruler over nature, the animal kingdom, and the kingdom of the human mind. He has obtained mastery over wild beasts; he has harnessed the forces of nature to his needs. He has reached the moon. Nothing remains unknown to him. He has become a great scientist, a noble artist, a mighty creator of things, and a noble pathfinder of life.
The advancement of civilization and culture would be impossible without knowledge which plays an important role in the progress of art, literature, philosophy, and religion. So knowledge is power. Mighty minds with the power of knowledge can sway the minds of millions. In fact, all the great discoveries and inventions, on which modern life is based, are the result of the power of knowledge. The victory on the forces of nature, like water and electricity, and the harnessing of these great forces for man’s use has been made possible only through the knowledge of Physics. Even the development of advanced science, art, culture, and civilization all depends upon the power of knowledge. Mysteries of nature have also been yielded to this power of knowledge.
Knowledge also has prevented unnecessary wastage of physical energy and brought order and economy to its use. Thus discipline, order, and economy form the basis of the power of knowledge bestowed upon us all. Knowledge has not only given man mental strength but has taught him how to utilize his physical strength in a better, more disciplined, and effective way and get the best output. Great ideas make great men. There is no trait more constant in the nature of human beings than his habit of pursuing knowledge beyond his province. However, greater as is the power of knowledge, more can be the tendency of the human mind to misuse it. Knowledge may take away the blessings if one starts feeling more and more proud with the strength of knowledge only. There is a need to translate the power of knowledge into wisdom.
We must understand the significance of the power of knowledge and inspire ourselves to acquire that knowledge that would enable us to find the real truth of life. Knowledge should not become a tool of pride but it must be like human wisdom. Physical power is definitely of the lower order as compared to the power of the mind. With the growth of civilization and the development of the human mind, mental power came to be recognized as the most superior order. God has endowed human beings with an intelligent mind and this mind with the power of knowledge has achieved for him wonders of the world.