Gratitude – Day 62 - The Gift of Knowledge As a kid in the 1960s I was rather mesmerized by the first Star Trek TV series. One of the things I found utterly fascinating was hearing Spock ask the ship’s computer to answer a question. I wondered how it was possible for a computer to recognize a voice and then provide a specific answer to most any question. I found myself thinking how wondrous it would be to have access to what seemed like all knowledge. Back then I often made tedious journeys to academic libraries and poured through stacks of dusty journals to find out things and even then my efforts were often fruitless. Research of any kind was often tedious and time consuming because of the effort required to find the facts. I can pick up a small piece of plastic and speak into it and a soft female voice will ask me how she can help me. I can ask for the location of the nearest Mexican restaurant in a strange city. A system of twenty three satellites will detect the location of my phone within five feet and then give me driving directions to the nearest taco stand. I can ask my phone to bring up the most recent advances in remote robotic surgery to replace heart valves. There is a profound sense of empowerment at having access to what seems like all knowledge. With a cheap laptop computer I have access to much of the world’s scientific knowledge. I’m reminded of a proverb which declares the great value of knowledge. “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” • I am grateful for access to much of the world’s knowledge through something as simple as an on-line search. • I am grateful for those individuals who are willing to share their knowledge and wisdom with me without regard for compensation, adding immeasurably to the quality of my life. • I am grateful to be in a position to give away my knowledge without compensation, showing some how to use their cameras to maximum effect, others how to be powerful with the written word, yet others how to eat a fine meal slowly and mindfully.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 03:39:38 +0000
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