Why Do Not Our Knowledge and Asset Grow in Parallel?
a) Why do not the capabilities, skills, or assets of most of us match our knowledge?
b) Why do not our knowledge and asset develop alongside each other?
c) Why do not we either act on knowledge or act poorly?
For example, many parents acquire a wealth of information about child-rearing through taking part in courses, seeking expert counsel, and studying books. However, why do most of them not use those parenting principles when they bring their children up? Or why do we all, fear the dark or the dead despite knowing that they pose no threat to us?
Yes, that’s right; this is because we have not gained belief and heartfelt conviction in these areas.
In previous lessons, we talked about knowledge and asset, their interrelation, and their significance. As we know, knowledge alone does not bring us skills and power; rather, by transforming information into practice, we can acquire knowledge and asset. As a result, we become powerful. Therefore, if our knowledge is not transformed into asset or “becoming,” it not only serves no purpose but can also create problems in many cases, for example, it can make us arrogant and proud.
Many of us merely collect information without paying attention to the primary goal of learning, i.e., putting knowledge into practice. This issue becomes even more serious when it comes to the knowledge and asset related to our human dimension. For the life in the Hereafter, we need tools compatible with living conditions of the hereafter. These tools can be gained only by acquiring assets. Thus, if we do not gain these tools during our lifetime, we will face numerous challenges in life in the Barzakh.
In this lesson, we will discuss the knowledge and asset related to our human dimension. We will first explore the reasons why knowledge does not turn into assets. Then we aim to examine its effects and consequences both in worldly life and the Hereafter.
Why Doesn’t Our Knowledge Transform into Assets?
As we mentioned, the fundamental issue regarding knowledge and assets is that our knowledge does not transform into assets. In other words, what we learn is not put into practice, and as a result it does not improve the quality of life. Here, we are going to briefly discuss several key barriers to transforming knowledge into asset.
Not Being Concerned and Feeling any Need
One of the most important reasons why our knowledge is not transformed into asset is that we fundamentally are not concerned or feel a need to do it. In reality, we often do not have an intention to “become.” we simply want to satisfy our desire to learn and increase our knowledge. In this situation, even if we attend classes and we are taught by the most distinguished professors or if we have the honor to be the student of the Infallibles (PBUT), no transformation happens within us. However, if we have thirst for learning something, no matter from whom we learn, in this case our knowledge transforms into asset.
Not Prioritizing Our Beloveds
Another reason why our knowledge and asset does not grow in parallel is that we do not prioritize our beloveds. If we do not have regulated our hierarchy of love, and in other words, God, the Household of Prophet (PBUT), and jihad are not at the top of our list of beloveds [1], we will not feel longing for God and the Household of the Prophet (Peace be upon them). Consequently, we will not try to acquire an asset and a sound heart. In this situation, even if we act on knowledge, we are still unable to acquire assets and ma’rifa because our heart does not accept it. This is why many people’s prayers, fasting, and acts of worship do not lead to acquiring knowledge and assets. The inanimate, vegetative, animal, and intellective beloveds of these individuals dominate over their supra rational or human beloveds. Such individuals are more focused on achieving lower worldly perfections rather than authentic human perfection.
Laziness and Apathy
Laziness and apathy are other barriers to acquiring assets. Some of us, despite having extensive knowledge, are weak and lazy in putting our knowledge into practice. So we cannot acquire skills and assets. Of course, laziness and apathy are significant barriers not only to acquiring assets but also to acquiring knowledge.
The Attacks of Satan
The four-fold attacks of Satan, i.e., his attacks from behind, front, the right, and the left side [2], are among the other factors that hinder us on the path to acquiring assets and knowledge. Satan is our sworn enemy. He seizes every opportunity to cause negligence and hinder us from acting on knowledge and transforming our knowledge into assets. It is certain that without having sufficient knowledge of Satan and his attacks, we cannot confront him, and as a result, we will not acquire assets and knowledge.
The Consequences of Not Transforming Knowledge into Assets
One of the most significant consequences of not transforming knowledge into assets is that we cannot find happiness and inner peace. Our true self can only achieve happiness and inner peace through closeness to and similarity to Infinite Perfection and by acquiring divine names and attributes. Therefore, failing to transform knowledge into assets will make us anxious, sad, and distressed in this world.
Another negative effect of not transforming knowledge into assets is that in this case, knowledge is an unnecessary burden, weighing us down. No matter how much knowledge we possess, it is of no use unless we reach ma’rifa. What truly matters and provides us with tools for life in the Hereafter is the extent of our assets and our becoming, not merely the information stored in our minds. A person who has extensive knowledge about moral virtues but he becomes angry, suspicious, holds grudges against others, and is sensitive has not acquired the necessary assets for life in the Hereafter. Thus, in addition to lacking happiness and inner peace in this world, he will be punished in the Hereafter.
Another dangerous consequence of not transforming knowledge into assets is being afflicted with delusion. Someone who merely seeks to acquire information without the intention of transforming it into assets becomes like an inflated balloon. Such a person thinks he has achieved self-growth, while the delusion of knowing makes him self-conceited. So his heart is gradually hardened and nothing penetrates it.
In this lesson, we discussed knowledge and asset. We examined the factors that prevent knowledge from being transformed into assets and the effects and consequences of not transforming knowledge into assets in worldly life and the hereafter. We noted that not being concerned about and feeling any need for knowledge and acting on it, not prioritizing our beloveds, laziness and apathy, and Satan’s attacks are all factors that prevent us from transforming our knowledge into assets. We then explored the effects and consequences of the knowledge that has been not transformed into asset, including lack of happiness and inner peace, being arrogant and proud, and not achieving eternal happiness. We would be pleased to know your opinions about knowledge and asset and the effects and consequences of not acquiring assets.
[1]. Quran, 9:24
[2]. Quran, 7:1