What we expect of science

Since “real” life is possible only through knowledge, those who neglect learning and teaching are considered “dead” even though they are physically alive, for the most important purpose for our creation is to learn and to communicate what we have learned to others.

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Right decisions depend on having a sound mind and on sound thinking. As science and knowledge illuminate and develop one’s mind, those deprived of science and knowledge cannot reach right decisions and are always exposed to deception and misguidance.

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Those who are truly human continue to learn, teach, and inspire others. It is difficult to regard those who are ignorant and have no desire to learn as truly human. It is also questionable whether a learned person who does not pursue self-renewal and self-reform, and thereby set an example for others, is truly human.

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Science and knowledge should seek to uncover the essence and nature of humanity and the mysteries of creation. Any knowledge, however scientific, is not true knowledge if it does not shed light on the mysteries of human nature and the dark areas of existence.

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The status and merit acquired through knowledge and science are higher and more lasting than the status and merit obtained through other means. This is true for two reasons: Knowledge will enrapture its possessors, when they reach the other world, with the pleasure of the positions acquired while in this world. In addition, it will keep its possessors away from bad morals in this world and help them attain many virtues.

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Parents should feed their children’s minds with knowledge and knowledge of God before they become engaged in useless things. Souls devoid of truth and knowledge of God are fields in which all kinds of evil thoughts are grown and cultivated. What you sow is what you reap.

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The purpose of learning is to make knowledge a guide for your life, to illuminate the road to human perfection. Any knowledge that does not fulfill these functions is a burden for the learner, and any science that does not direct one toward sublime goals is only deception. Science is to perceive the reality of science, Science consists in knowledge of the self; If, then, you do not know your self, I wonder what kind of education you have had.

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Any knowledge studied toward a determined, lofty purpose is an inexhaustible source of blessing for the learner. Those who possess such a source are always sought, like a source of fresh water, and lead people to what is good. Knowledge consisting of empty theories and unabsorbed pieces of learning, which arouses suspicions in minds and darkens hearts, is like a “pile of garbage” around which desperate and confused souls flounder.

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Although science and all branches of knowledge are beneficial to almost everyone, one cannot possibly acquire all of them, for people’s life-spans and resources are limited. Therefore, learn and use only that which benefits yourself and humanity at large. Do not waste your life.

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True scientists base their study and research on true reports, correct expositions, and scientific experiments. As a result, they have peace of mind and solve their problems with ease. However, those who are devoid of the true source of knowledge are buffeted constantly by changing aims and methods, and so are always disillusioned.

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People are esteemed and appreciated in proportion to the profundity and content of their knowledge. Those who use knowledge in gossip and idle talk are esteemed to the degree of gossip and idle talk. On the other hand, truly valuable indeed are those who use their knowledge as a prism to perceive things and events, as a light to illuminate “space” to the darkest points, and to reach the most transcendent truths.