“We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.” — John Naisbitt

The Google Oxford Languages defines knowledge as ‘facts, information, and skills gained through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.’

The direct interpretation of knowledge then is to obtain something and understand it — so to know, you must know you know and not to know is to be ignorant of a thing or subject.

A philosopher postulated that ‘To know that we know, and to know that we do not know — that is true knowledge,’ highlighting the focus of philosophy on being aware of what is not known rather than studying what only is known.

So, then, when does knowledge begin? And when does knowledge end? The beginning and the end of knowledge are straightforward if only one could understand what the middle is about and why all of our development rests on it.

“For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he his abut to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries greets him.” — Robert Jastrow

Read that quote again; and truly there would be nothing further to write except that the middle of knowledge is such an interesting place.

Do you wonder why religious people made some of history’s greatest and earliest scientific discoveries? Was it a reflection of the Age of Reason, and were they trying to prove or disprove spiritual beliefs?

For instance, Islamic scholars like Jabir ibn Hayyan, al-Razi, and Ibn-Al-Haytham made major discoveries in chemistry and optics. Similarly, many early Christian theologians were also brilliant scientists. Georges Lemaitre proposed the Big Bang Theory. Blaise Pascal pioneered Probability Theory. People consider Andreas Vesalius the father of modern anatomy. All these and many other key figures were deeply religious, showing the fascinating bond between faith and scientific inquiry.

I mean, Carl Sagan famously stated, “I don’t want to believe, I want to know.” Yet, he also saw a deep connection between science and spirituality, calling science “a profound source of spirituality.”

To understand this connection, consider the incredible achievements of ancient civilizations. The people who built these marvels, from ancient Egypt to the Mayans, were highly conscious of their spiritual beliefs.

The African continent, with its countries, is a significant example. People who deeply integrated their spirituality into their daily lives and understanding of the world created many of its lost innovations and art. A testament to the fact that their spiritual worldview didn’t hinder their ability to create, innovate, and develop complex systems; instead, it may have been a driving force.

The middle of knowledge is where we advance as a civilization; it is where we adapt and look for meaning. It is where we create, where we spend a considerable amount of our lives and, most often, where some of us die.

A system that abhors knowledge has greyed the beginning itself, so the middle in the age of information often looks like the beginning. The quote expressed by Louis Pasteur and similar sentiment shared by Sir Francis Bacon says, “A little knowledge of science leads away from God, but an in-depth knowledge of science leads back to Him.”

“Just as there is a diversity of colors among humans, animals and cattle, so too only those of God’s servants who possess knowledge genuinely fear Him.” — Surah Fatir (35:28)

Three writers of the books of the Bible all seem to agree with one saying, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

I don’t know what you practice as spirituality. Religion is religion. Spirituality, however, in its depth is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. And this fear that was spoken about is a reverent respect and awe of God, of the forces that shape our world. Disbelieve all you want, and maybe when you come to the end of knowledge you’ll realize what the ancients had seen.

“… Of making many books there is no end… now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” — Ecclesiastes 12:12 (NIV).

‘… Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.” — Surah Az-Zumar (39:9).

I may have started out wanting to prove that I have come to the awareness of knowledge or that I understand its workings, but like Socrates said, ‘Of all that I know or may come to know, all I know is that I know nothing.’