From the book: Ego is the Enemy

“The pretense of knowledge is our most dangerous vice, because it prevents us from getting any better.”

King Solomon (900s BC) wrote:

“Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27

A thousand years later, Greek philosopher Epictetus (50-138 AD) wrote:

“It is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows.” (Daily Stoic Emails)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15, ESV

How did you learn what you think you now know? A quote attributed to Jonathan Swift in 1721:

“You cannot reason people out of something they were not reasoned into.”

We must know why we believe what we believe.

We must always keep our minds open while still having them under control.

We must not be prideful at how much we have learned nor ashamed of what we haven’t learned.

We must never think that we have learned enough.

We must embrace the fact that the more you know, the more there is to know.

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15, ESV

These are all passive statements about acquiring knowledge. In the first century, Roman philosopher Seneca (4 BC – 65 AD) wrote:

“You should keep learning, to the end of your life.”

Around the same time, in his second letter, Peter gives us a direct challenge:

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18, ESV

Something to consider as we start this new year.