In the world of philosophy, this has become a classic story. In Ancient Greece, in the city of Athena, Socrates was considered the wisest man. The reason is unique. He is the wisest man because he knows that he knows nothing. Not much explanation is given. There are many interpretations of the story. One of the most influential is the interpretation that Socrates was well aware of the limitations of the human mind. We can never really understand anything in this world.
Language and Reality
Human knowledge is bridged by language. Language is an abstraction to describe the state of the world, as captured by the five human senses. Language is also an abstraction for thinking and feeling. It becomes a communication tool to convey the contents of taste and reason. Because it is an abstraction, language is always not enough to describe reality as it is. There is always an inescapable distance between the word and the real. There is always a gap between spoken words and their true meaning. This distance can never be truly closed, no matter what human efforts.
The same thing happens in science. It is born from words and concepts that move with the laws of logic. To some extent, he could touch the truth. However, he would not be able to understand everything. Old arguments become obsolete. A new argument was born. Until a certain time, it becomes obsolete and abandoned. A new perspective was born.
One question answered. Dozens of other questions will appear. One riddle solved. Various other mysteries arise in scientific research. It will never stop and be a fun adventure for scientists. The clearest example is in modern physics. Until now, scientists have not been able to explain what matter is. Does it exist, or is it an emptiness that manifests, so that it seems to be real? Recent developments in quantum physics and neuroscience have dispelled the naive belief that matter is real and indisputable.
Not surprisingly, some of the latest discoveries in astrophysics are described using the word dark, or black. Examples are dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. These three words want to explain the ignorance of scientists. There are still many mysteries in the universe that need to be investigated further. Here the importance of intellectual honesty. There is nothing we can know in this universe. We also do not understand, who we are. There is always room for mystery in every word and concept that is born.
Not knowing is an open attitude. This is an attitude of wanting to learn without stopping. Words and concepts are used to dive into the truth. However, the truth itself can only be experienced, but cannot be fully and fully formulated.
The Danger of "Feeling Know"
This is where religion becomes dangerous. Religion is based on faith. That is, religion rests on pure belief, without a logical basis and real data. Religion makes people "know". Without a critical attitude, the attitude of "knowing" will lead people astray into ignorance. Only fools can be sure. Words and concepts are considered truths that describe reality as it is. The attitude of knowing kills knowledge and wisdom.
It breeds laziness to think. People believe in dogmatic shallow answers. The search for truth ceased. People live in shallowness that leads to self-destruction. Common sense is dim. Decisions are made on shallow and dogmatic grounds. Discrimination and injustice occur in various areas of life. Living together is full of tension and prolonged conflict.
No wonder, so many wars are carried out in the name of religion. So much oppression and injustice being done in the name of religion. Two groups know they will kill each other to prove their stupidity. In my country, I am already full of deadly terrorism based on radical religious teachings.
Knowledge and Spirituality
This is where the importance of religion develops into spirituality. The basis is no longer an attitude of "knowing", but an attitude of openness to the mysteries of life. Humility emerges. Ignorance is great because it draws people closer to the wisdom of life that transcends words and concepts. At this point, spirituality goes hand in hand with knowledge. The two embraced ignorance. Both see ignorance as to the path to enlightenment. Both are humble and eager to explore this limitless universe.
Spirituality and knowledge are honest in life. When we think we know everything, especially content with shallow and dogmatic answers, we become liars. We lie to ourselves, and others. On the other hand, if we are really honest, we will be completely ignorant. We become open and humble to all that exists. Great ignorance will lead us to the highest knowledge. It can be experienced, but it always escapes the grasp of words and concepts. We sit and absorb the mysteries of life that go beyond words and language. Only in this way will our lives become truly meaningful.
The main image by: salon.com
This is super interesting. I am currently reading a book called Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane that deals with language and how language also is a tool to actually keep things inside the human reality. He uses the example of our current disconnectedness with nature. As we are less connected, we lose the words to describe certain specific natural phenomena and thereby a piece of that reality. The inability to describe something using language also affects our reality. I think it connects to your topic well. I really enjoyed your article!