Artfulness in Knowledge – Part 2

Contrast between the Learned and the Wise

There are several important differences between the learned who know only the theory of how to do good deeds (but may not practice it) and the wise who may not know much but use everything they know to boost their opportunity to do good deeds. Unfortunately, knowledge in the hands of a fool (or even a learned person) can be a dangerous thing. If our only knowledge is academic knowledge, no matter how clever we might be, there is always a risk of making a mess of our lives.

For example, if we have a knowledge of nuclear physics, we can use it for peaceful applications as an energy source -- on the other hand we can use our knowledge to produce atomic bombs and the resulting holocaust towards human life. Thus ethical considerations need to go hand in hand with our academic knowledge, like a guiding light to give us clarity as to whether the application of our knowledge is good or bad, appropriate or inappropriate. Those who are interested only in academic learning, no matter how clever, rich or powerful they may be, can never manage to make themselves endearing or worthy of the respect of others and in the end they cannot make a success out of their lives.

Artfulness in Knowledge – Part 1

"Artful in knowledge" -- choosing to study only the things appropriate for study -- being a person learned in those subjects and observant -- personal qualities that lie at the trailhead of the path to wisdom. Such knowledge allows one to be independent in earning one's living and will be the key which unlocks the door to worldly success.

The Three Levels of Knowledge

If we want to identify the features of learning that will give rise to wisdom we have to distinguish wisdom from other sorts of knowledge. All sorts of knowledge help to illuminate the mind. When we don't understand something it is as if we are left in the dark about that thing.

When we understand something it is as if light has been thrown on that matter. Knowledge in its most basic form, like the ability to do arithmetic or knowing where to catch the bus sometimes will feel as if it creates some illumination in the mind but it is just a feeling -- because such an ability is restricted to the higher sort of knowledge we call "wisdom". In all we can differentiate three levels of knowledge:

1. Theoretical knowledge: The most basic sort of knowledge arises via the five senses, that is through the things we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our noses, taste with our tongues or feel by our sense of touches. We could call this sort of knowledge raw data. This sort of knowledge also includes the knowledge we receive by listening to information and what we can remember from what we have heard in lectures and read from textbooks. If we have never had the chance to apply the knowledge that we have learned then it may still be of limited use.

2. Hands-on Knowledge : The second sort of knowledge which is slightly more advanced is hands-on knowledge, the knowledge that has been reflected on, tested and applied.

3. Insight : A third and higher sort of knowledge is insight into deeper truths or more challenging truths:

a. It will give rise to brightness in the mind.
b. It allows us to transcend defilements.

The Humanians – Level 01

The Humanians judge what God has sent down through The Messengers. Thus, they Protect and Practice The Human Rights granted by God to All Humans.

Living the ways of their Ancestors, they acknowledge the right for the needy and destitute where everybody is given The Right to a Basic Standard of Life.

They understand that their main objective as a society is to serve rightly to individuals and societies so everybody plays the part in The Smooth Flow of Life through Ethical Economics Activities.

The ethical economics activities are done by paying attention to The Inner Development of the individuals. The inner development which yielded the Right Moralities are important to the Economics Growth to individuals and societies. Thus, individuals and societies have better chance to overcome problems of the External Factors upon the activities.

The ancestors knew The Purpose of Life both as an individual and as a society is to submit to the will of God by being Righteous. This is the most important concept held by the ancestors be it politically, economically and socially. Whatever and whoever an individual and the society are, be it rich or poor, it is to be the righteous that is to do Good Deeds and to Avoid Evil Deeds. So everybody played the part in the flow of the society.

Knowledge should be developed in order to differentiate the differences between good and evil. Both Spiritual and Material knowledge are applied so individuals have The Total Awareness, aware of what is good and bad.

The Spiritual Knowledge together with The Material Knowledge is the way to be The Wise. The ancestors only select The Wisest of them as Leaders. Leadership were considered important as the alternate source of reference and in monitoring the smooth flow of life. The objective is to make sure everybody recognizes own responsibility both to the individuals and the societies and tasted the True Happiness in TRUE FREEDOM.

To be totally aware is to Understand Why Humans Are Created. In fact, humans are The Supreme Creation of God with various abilities. On top of that, humans are gifted the most precious gift of all gifts – FREEWILL to choose to do GOOD or to do EVIL. No matter what humans prefer to choose, it also means humans ARE TESTED. To test us humans is why we are created.

God is fair by giving us the GUIDELINES AND THE LAWS of what are good and what are evils. It is up to us humans to choose to do good or evil. In the afterlife, the righteous shall be rewarded Heaven while the wrongdoers shall be condemned in Hell.

A wise one is distinguished by his or her Wisdom. The difference between the mind of a fool and the mind of a wise one is a difference of Quality. The mind of a Fool is one where the thoughts are Confused. The mind of a wise man is crystal Clear.

The ancestors valued The Association With The Wise. It had helped them developing the discretions to be that of the wise.

The wise has The Artful Of Speech. This is how one is recognized. Basically the wise avoids Saying Too Much. Also the wise does Not Practice Unwholesome Speech. The wise understands the Good Components Of Speech, The Quality Of Artful Speech, and gives careful Considerations In Giving Criticism.

The Humanians – Level 01, protect and practice The Human Rights by giving priority to The Basic Standard of Living to everybody in the societies. The wisest of them are selected as Leaders as the alternative source of Reference and Guidance for The Smooth Flow of Life.

The wise are recognized through their artful speech which are essential for the next level of The Humanians in Acquiring Knowledge.

Principles of Public Speaking

There are many different recipes for success for public speaking in the world -- including those of the Toastmasters or Carnegie, but in general, they do not have principles which deviate far from the principals already outlined -- except for aspects of the delivery.

1. Sound body: This includes all aspects of non-verbal communication
2. Sound speech: This means speech that is pleasant to the ears, eyes and mind of the listener
3. Sound mind: Exemplifying the virtues which we talk about.

Those who don't appreciate artful speech

It is not as if we should speak in the most polite possible way to every person we meet. Some people cannot stand to hear polite language and may even criticize us because of it. They hear someone speaking clearly and accuse that person of being 'affected'. In such cases we might need to lower the grade of politeness of the language we use to make our language more direct, to shock the person into awareness. However, the rest of the four components of good speech must remain intact. The following sort of people might need to hear direct speech:

1. Those who have a superiority complex or like to pretend that everyone is equal.
2. Those whose mind is blinded to the virtues of the speaker by their lack of faith for that person.
3. Those who are in the midst of depression.

Special Considerations when giving criticism

The subject of appropriate occasion is something that is very hard to judge. In societies where there must be quality control and there does need to be evaluation and criticism of sloppy practices, then often one cannot wait for the right opportunity to come along by accident. In such a case we have to do our best to create the opportunity. Apart from keeping to all the five principles already mentioned, there are two extra considerations which we should bear in mind which can help to create favorable circumstances for giving criticism:

1. Praise them before we criticize them.
2. Smile when we give the criticism.
3. Don't criticize out of anger.

Qualities of artful speech

Applying the general components of speech to artful speech, we find that there are five components. If speech is truly good it must be good to five levels. It is not like a one-star hotel which is better than a hotel with no stars. If we are truly principled in the things we say, then every word we say must be five star. If it is any less, we will not let it pass our lips :

1. Speech must always be based on the intention of compassion.
2. Speech must be true.
3. Speech must be polite.
4. Speech must be useful.
5. Speech must be at the appropriate time and occasion.

Components of speech

From the meaning communicated by the things people say we can identify three major components:

1.The Intention behind the Words. We can see whether the intention behind the things someone is saying is based on greed (e.g. they would like to get something from someone), hatred (e.g. in order to try to harm someone) or delusion (e.g. out of the envy of someone). These are all damaging forms of speech. If speech is used in a good way then the intention must be good. Good speech may be said out of compassion.

2. The Sort of Words Chosen. The more true they are the less false they are. The more polite speech is the less rude it is and vice-versa. If the usefulness of words is reduced then they become more superfluous. Thus we can classify the speech of anyone in the world in terms of these three variables no matter what language it is spoken in:

a.True or Untrue
b.Polite or Rude
c.Useful or Superfluous - Words are either true or false.

3. The Occasion Chosen to say them. Sometimes this means whether what is said is appropriate to the time available and the place where it is said.

UNWHOLESOME SPEECH

Unwholesome speech which should be avoided:

1. Telling lies
2. Divisive Speech
3. Idle Chatter
4. Harsh Speech

Telling Lies - Telling lies means saying or writing words that are untrue in order to take advantage of someone else.

Divisive Speech - Divisive speech or malicious gossip is speaking divisively to set one person against another.

Idle Chatter - Idle chatter is speaking purposelessly just to pass the time.

Harsh Speech - Harsh speech includes swearing or insulting others to the degree that it upsets them.

Disadvantage of saying too much

Most people in the world believe that they are men of principle. However, when it comes to speaking, many find that they just say what they feel like. If people do have a governing principle about the things they say, then usually they just try to say the things that are pleasing for the other person to hear. The trouble with such a principle is that people will always say what is easiest to say instead of saying the things that need to be said. Such a principle, when we come to speech at the level of politicians or those in power will impede the progress of the country because politicians are always saying what is easiest to say instead of speaking out about the things in society which ought to be changed.

If one has no clear principles then the more we speak, the more damage we do. The people of old had the saying that, "The more we say the more trouble we create." The reason is that when we have already said all that is beneficial and necessary to say and we keep on speaking then the next things to come out of our mouths are worthless or harmful speech such as gossip, slander, abuse, chatter and lies. Thus the people of old said, "keep what we have to say to minimum and we will maximize our problems.

However if we refuse to speak at all then no-one understands us!" Thus we all have to say something, but for our own benefits we should clearly understand the nature of speech and the principles of artful speech that is beneficial so say so that we can be confident in selecting the things we say or keep to ourselves.

The Artful of Speech

Some might think the words coming from our mouths are relatively unimportant. However, when it comes to "making oneself useful to society" one cannot avoid communicative skills for team-building and for passing one's knowledge on to others. (I myself am learning particularly living in the world of internet like today).

Words can be true but they may not be pleasant to listen to. If words are both true and polite then the ancients said that they were both worth listening to and also worth hearing. If words, apart from being both true and polite were also useful, the ancients said that such words apart from being worth believing and worth hearing are also worthy of respect.

Why one mouth is ample

Without understanding the principles of artful speech, we are to say too much. The people of old would teach small children the way to look at ourselves in the mirrors. They would say, don't go looking at how beautiful or handsome we are -- because before long old age will rob us of all these things. Take a good look at our own faces. We will notice that even though our eyes have only one function, to look, we are given two. We will notice that even though our ears have only one function, to hear, we are also given two. We will notice that even though our nostrils have only one function, to breathe, we are given two. However, our mouths have two functions, to eat and to talk, but we are given only one mouth. It is as if nature is telling us to use our mouth in moderation -- not to eat too much and not to say too much!

Of course, not to write too much as well :-)

The Wise

A society is a set of individuals. Individuals have own expertise that help the smooth flow of life. Some are rich. Some are poor. Some are leaders in businesses. Some are workers. Nonetheless, the righteous are those who submit to the will of God, do good deeds and avoid evil deeds.

Total awareness is the way to differentiate of what are good deeds and what are evil deeds. To be aware requires both Spiritual and Worldly knowledge. To be totally aware is the way to be Wise.

A wise one is distinguished by his or her wisdom. Being 'wise' however is not the same as being 'educated'. In fact if we get ourselves good degrees and set ourselves up in business and make a success of it, we will earn praises and respects from many other people. However, there are no small number of the more unscrupulous amongst these who find themselves behind prison bars in spite of all their academic knowledge. Thus it in spite of all their good intentions it is reasonable to assume that such graduates are not truly wise but are only wise in the ways of the world.

In these days of human rights, we do all we can to make people equal, but it is not always so easy. When it comes to differences of wealth or access to education, it makes sense to give people the maximum of opportunities to help themselves. But where the system of rights breaks down when people no longer want to help themselves any more -- or when people don't even want to live their lives by the rules of decency that bind society together. Of course there are some people who claim that even criminals should be given full human rights and who spend their time feeling sorry for sentenced murderers.

However, for the most part we accept that when a person's behaviors deviates into violence or vengefulness or cruelty so far as that of a wrong-doer, no matter whether the police catch him or not, that you are no longer dealing with a person like you or me any more. There is a "screw loose" somewhere in the thinking of such people. Even though they might have two arms, two legs and a head just like you or me, but there is a
difference of mind so great that it makes that person dangerous. The deviation of thinking of such people is so contagious that it brushes off on the people who associate with them.

It is differences of mind that distinguish such people from the rest of the world whose lives are governed by discretion. The difference between the mind of a fool and the mind of a wise one is a difference of quality. The mind of a fool is one where the thoughts are confused -- a mind which is unyielding and blind. Such a mind is dull and cannot think constructively about any subject. Such a mind is blind to reality.

If we were to compare such a mind to glass, we could compare it to opaque or frosted glass. Whatever we view through glass of this type will appear distorted, dark and formless. By contrast, the mind of a wise man is like crystal clear glass. Everything viewed through the glass is crystal clear. Like a clear mirror, we can even see ourselves as we really are.
If we were to divide people as to the quality of their minds, being very simplistic we can divide people into a minimum of three different types:

1) Those whose mind is usually clouded -- the fools;
2) Those whose mind is usually clear -- the wise;
3) Those half way in between whose mind is not entirely clear, but at the same time their mind is not completely obscured by clouds.

This third category represents the majority of good intentioned people in the world.

We may have to look at the following five characteristics which will betray the wholesome inward qualities of someone who is wise:

1. The wise like to shepherd others to live their lives in a proper way.
2. The wise take full responsibility for the things that are their own business.
3. The wise favor the honest and the decent.
4. The wise man is not easily angered.
5. The wise favor self discipline and orderliness.

In conclusion, the good thing about associating with the wise is that it will develop our discretions to be that of the wise with whom we associate -- or to come to the real point -- it will allow our minds to become bright and clear like that of the wise man.

There are seven features of behavior which counts as association with the wise. If our association misses out on any of these seven factors, it cannot be counted as fruitful association.

The seven features are as follows :

1. Frequently meeting up with them.
2. Make ourselves known to them.
3. Sincere towards them.
4. Loyalty towards them.
5. Help them in times of need.
6. When free joining up to talk and eat together.
7. Get Connected by means of other communication.

Humankind

To be totally aware is to understand why humans are created. In fact, humans are the supreme creation of God with various abilities. On top of that, humans are gifted the most precious gift of all gifts – FREEWILL.

That humans are created with this Freewill, humans are given the right to choose. Humans are given the right to choose to do GOOD or to do EVIL. No matter what humans prefer to choose, it also means humans ARE TESTED. To test us humans is why we are created.

So it is important to aware that we are tested. Fortunately, God is fair by giving us the GUIDELINES AND THE LAWS of what are good and what are evils. It is up to us humans to choose to do good or evil. In the afterlife, the righteous shall be rewarded Heaven while the wrongdoers shall be condemned in Hell.

The Total Awareness

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.” – (Quran, 3: 104)

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” - (Quran, 49: 13)

No matter who we are as part of a society, the ancestors knew that the only purpose in life both as an individual and as a society is to submit to the will of God by being righteous. This is the most important concept held by the ancestors be it politically, economically and socially. To them, it was not important that we are rich or poor or whatever we are as long as we are righteous that is to do good deeds and to avoid evil deeds. So everybody played the part in the flow of the society.

Particularly in the economics activities, The Inner Developments of individuals were major for individuals to have the knowledge in order to differentiate the differences between good and evil. Both Spiritual and Material knowledge were applied so individuals have The Total Awareness, aware of what is good and bad.

Yes, the ancestors had undergone and had faiths along the history. All those faiths were considered important as that’s the way to acquire The Spiritual Knowledge. Together with The Material Knowledge, that was the way to be Wise. Only The Wisest of them were selected as leaders. Leadership were considered important in monitoring the smooth flow of life.

Leaders made sure everybody had the awareness particularly on what were considered evils. Application of any evil deeds will cause the imbalances and failures in providing The Human Rights as granted by God. Greed was seen having the ability to create the imbalances and failures and so were hatred, delusions among so many evil deeds.

Through The Inner Developments with The Spiritual and Material Knowledge that created The Total Awareness, the ancestors had achieve a Great Civilization where everybody recognized own responsibility both to the individuals and the societies and tasted the True Happiness in TRUE FREEDOM.

The Economic Strata

“It is We who divide among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We exalt some of them above others in rank, so that some of them may command work from the others (Quran, 43:32)

Previously, how the ancestors had worked in order to provide The Right to Basic Standard of Living to individuals and societies was described.

There were problems. In fact, the problems remain the same today as human natures keep being in constant both as individuals and societies.

Since history, there are apparent differences among individuals and societies. Some are rich. Some are poor. Some are smart. Some are not. There are differences in the color of the skins, physical buildups, voices, sizes, shapes, heights, talents, abilities even preferences. Economically too, the economic strata have existed.

No matter what are the differences, there have always existed the symbiotic relationships among individuals and societies.

The poor are dependent on the rich for wages. The rich are dependent on the poor for labor. In so many ways, the interdependence of one another has facilitated the smooth flow of life particularly on the economics activities.

The ancestors had been very careful that they had never applied more than one economic system for a simple reason. They did not wish the situation where some individuals were over nourished while some were under nourished.

Knowing the existence of the economic strata, the inner developments of individuals was very important. The ancestors knew well that devils do exist and at all times may cause disturbances. The devils however are considered the external enemies but enemies too do come from within.

The right inner developments were fundamentals to the defensive system of individuals against these enemies. One of the fundamentals which was considered major was to understand that although there were differences among individuals and societies particularly that the economic strata existed, to God however, the best among them were those who submit to the will of God.

The Economic Ethics of The Ancestors

And in their wealth there is acknowledged right for the needy and destitute (Quran,51:19)

Previously, this blog has laid out the human rights not only are strived all over the world today, but also had been practiced by the ancestors.

Through conservative living, the ancestors had developed attitudes and values toward economic activities. Particulars were given more on wealth, poverty, charity and labor. To fulfill the demands for the activities, individuals were developed having the right moralities, mental disciplines and wisdom.

The main objective was to serve individuals and societies The Human Rights as granted by God. One of the rights was The Right for Basic Standard of Living. Thus, the ancestors understood well that in order to provide The Basic Standard of Living be it to individuals or societies, the ethical economics activities were critical.

The ethical economics activities done by the ancestors started by paying attention to the inner development of the individuals. They viewed that the right activities begun with the right moralities. The inner development which yielded that right moralities were major to the economics growth to individuals and societies. Thus, individuals and societies had better chance to overcome problems of the external factors upon the activities.

The requisite needs of the ancestors were clothing, food, shelter and medicine. Clothing and shelter were basic needs for the individuals while food (water, food and fire for cooking) and medicine were basic needs for the societies (The ancestors had the obligation to share both food and medicine with each other as a society).

However, above were only the requisite needs that required economics stability. In order to sustain the economics stability, the ancestors had outlined four(4) major activities:

a) The Production of Wealth
b) The Protection of Wealth
c) Savings
d) Conservative Living (Living within one’s means)

Both the requisite needs and the economics activities relied on each other and were major upon the household’s happiness. The well interaction between both had allowed the ancestors having the secondary needs in the Basic Standard of Living:

a) Having the ability to spend on the requisite needs.
b) Having the ability to maintain parents, wives, children and servants.
c) Having the savings for illness and emergencies.
d) Having the ability to donate.
e) Having the ability to treat relatives.
f) Having the ability to entertain guests.
g) Having the ability for the burial ceremonies of the ceased.
h) Having the ability to pay taxes.

Therefore, the economics activities were important to the ancestors as they provided the abilities to the ancestors to have The Basic Standard of Living. Having the Basic Standard of Living then was direct measurement of the household’s happiness.

Human Rights

Those who do not judge by what God has sent down are the Non-Believers.
(Quran, 5:44)

Thus, human rights are rights granted by God.

1) The Right to Life

Whosoever kills a human being without (any reason like) man slaughter, or corruption on earth, it is as though he had killed all mankind (Quran, 5:32)

Do not kill a soul which Allah has made sacred except through the due process of law (Quran, 6:151)

2) The Right to the Safety of Life

And whoever saves a life it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind (Quran, 5:32)

3) The Right to a Basic Standard of Life

And in their wealth there is acknowledged right for the needy and destitute (Quran,51:19)

4) The Right to Justice

Do not let your hatred of a people incite you to aggression (Quran, 5:2)

And do not let ill-will towards any folk incite you so that you swerve from dealing justly. Be just; that is nearest to heedfulness (Quran, 5:8)

You who believe stand steadfast before God as witness for (truth and) fairplay (Quran, 4:135)

5) Equality of Human Beings

And we set you up as nations and tribes so that you may be able to recognize each other (Quran, 49:13)

Indeed, the noblest among you before God are the most heedful of you (Quran49:13)

6) The Right to Co-operate and Not to Co-operate

Co-operate with one another for virtue and heedfulness and do not co-operate with one another for the purpose of vice and aggression (Quran, 5:2).

7) The Security of Life and Property

Anyone who kills a believer deliberately will receive as his reward (a sentence) to live in Hell for ever. God will be angry with him and curse him, and prepare dreadful torment for him (Quran, 4:93)

Do not devour one another's wealth by false and illegal means (Quran, 2:188)

8) The Protection of Honour

(a) You who believe, do not let one (set of) people make fun of another set. (b) Do not defame one another. (c) Do not insult by using nicknames. (d) And do not backbite or speak ill of one another (Quran, 49:11-12)

9) The Sanctity and Security of Private Life

Do not spy on one another (Quran, 49:12)

Do not enter any houses except your own homes unless you are sure of their occupants' consent
(Quran, 24:27)

10) The Security of Personal Freedom

Whenever you judge between people, you should judge with (a sense of) justice (Quran, 4:58)

11) The Right to Protest Against Tyranny

God does not love evil talk in public unless it is by someone who has been injured thereby (Quran, 4:148)

12) Freedom of Expression

They enjoin what is proper and forbid what is improper (Quran, 9:71)

They bid what is improper and forbid what is proper (Quran, 9:67)

If we give authority to these men on earth they will keep up prayers, and offer poor-due, bid what is proper and forbid what is improper (Quran, 22:41)

13) Freedom of Association

You are the best community which has been brought forth for mankind. You command what is proper and forbid what is improper and you believe in God (Quran, 3:110)

Let there be a community among you who will invite (people) to (do) good, command what is proper and forbid what is improper, those will be prosperous (Quran, 3:104)

14) Freedom of Conscience and Conviction

There should be no coercion in the matter of faith (Quran, 2:256)

15) Protection of Religious Sentiments

Do not abuse those they appeal to instead of God (Quran, 6:108)

Do not argue with the people of the Book unless it is in the politest manner (Quran, 29:46)

16) Protection from Arbitrary Imprisonment

No bearer of burdens shall be made to bear the burden of another (Quran, 6:164)

17) The Right to Basic Necessities of Life

And in their wealth there is acknowledged right for the needy and the destitute (Quran, 51:19)

18) Equality Before Law

The believers are brothers (to each other) (Quran, 49:10)

If they (disbelievers) repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor due, they are your brothers in faith (Quran, 9:11)

He had divided his people into different classes. And he suppressed one group of them (at the cost of others) (Quran, 28:4)

19) The Right to Participate in the Affairs of State

God has promised to appoint those of you who believe and do good deeds as (His) representatives on earth (Quran, 24:55)

And their business is (conducted) through consultation among themselves (Quran, 42:38)