In Response to Corey (On two types of knowledge)

While perusing through the various blogpost recent published online, another post I particularly found fascinating was Corey’s post regarding the two possible consequences of gaining knowledge. Before I go on, I should elucidate what I mean by consequences. In this case, consequence stands in reference to a optimistic or pessimistic mind state.

So, in Corey’s post, he first mentions the fact that Schopenauer once stated that with the acquisition of knowledge comes further pessimism. While this statement was clearly defined in class, Corey offered another possible consequence of further knowledge: the chance to escape suffering. I was intrigued by this second option because it is something that Schopenauer himself does not explicitly mention. However, it is interesting because it does seem that he did possible support this view as well. Schopenauer of course, was known for his support of eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism; accordingly, he did see a route to escape the endless suffering in life. Taken from this, it could be said that increased knowledge could lead to this realization that the endless suffering could be escaped. Thus, it would almost seem that knowledge would not actually lead to pessimism, alluding to Corey’s second option.

Although this does seem possible, I am not sure whether increased knowledge is what leads an individual towards this state of nirvana. Of course, an individual must obtain the knowledge to begin this process permanent bliss, however, it almost seems like the process itself has nothing to do with the acquisition of knowledge. Instead, it is characterized by the silencing of the mind. In order to end the suffering which is characterized by the endless striving, the philosophies of many eastern religions seemed to advocate for behaviors such as living in the present moment, or focusing on bodily sensations. The goal would be to quiet the mind, not add to it. In this sense it seems that ending the suffering would necessarily be the result of increased knowledge, but rather escape from the process of thinking all together.