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Creation Quote by Wendell Berry

“The acquisition of knowledge always involves the revelation of ignorance - almost is the revelation of ignorance. Our knowledge of the world instructs us first of all that the world is greater than our knowledge of it. To those who rejoice in the abundance and intricacy in Creation, this is a…” quote by Wendell Berry
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““The acquisition of knowledge always involves the revelation of ignorance - almost is the revelation of ignorance. Our knowledge of the world instructs us first of all that the world is greater than our knowledge of it. To those who rejoice in the abundance and intricacy in Creation, this is a source of joy, as it is to those who rejoice in freedom... To those would-be solvers of "the human problem," who hope for knowledge equal to (capable of controlling) the world, it is a source of unremitting defeat and bewilderment. The evidence is overwhelming that knowledge does not solve "the human problem." Indeed, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests - with Genesis - that knowledge is the problem. Or perhaps we should say instead that all our problems tend to gather under two questions about knowledge: Having the ability and desire to know, how and what should we learn? And, having learned, how and for what should we use what we know? (pg. 183, People, Land, and Community)””

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Book: People, Land, and Community by Wendell Berry, 1990

Knowledge reveals our limits and can become a source of both awe and frustration, urging careful choice in what we learn and how we apply it.

In simple terms: Knowing shows how much we don’t know and can be unsettling.

Key Takeaway

Choose learning wisely and use it responsibly.

Themes

knowledge humility responsibility existence ethics

Mood

reflective serious inquisitive

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • personal growth
  • environmental stewardship
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

epistemology human condition environmental ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What knowledge do you seek and why?
  • How will you apply what you learn?
A Different Perspective

Knowledge alone cannot solve human problems; action and values matter.

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