Brigham Young: 'There is no knowledge, no light, no wisdom that you are in possession of, but what you have received it from some source.'

There is no knowledge, no light, no wisdom that you are in possession of, but what you have received it from some source.

In his quote, Brigham Young said, "There is no knowledge, no light, no wisdom that you are in possession of, but what you have received it from some source." At first glance, this quote seems straightforward, implying that every piece of knowledge we possess is acquired from an external source. It emphasizes the idea that humans are not born with innate wisdom but rather accumulate knowledge through learning and experiences. This quote holds great importance as it speaks to the interconnectedness of human existence and the importance of embracing the concept of continuous learning.However, if we delve deeper into this quote, it opens the door for a more profound philosophical concept: the idea of interconnectedness and the nature of reality. What if there is no clear distinction between the source of knowledge and the receiver? What if knowledge is not merely transmitted but actually co-created, with each individual participating in the process of knowing?One philosophical concept that sheds light on this idea is phenomenology, a school of thought that focuses on the study of subjective consciousness and our perception of the world. According to phenomenology, knowledge is not something that can be received passively; it is actively constructed through our lived experiences. This means that knowledge is not something separate from us, but rather a product of our interactions with the world.In this light, Brigham Young's quote becomes even more intriguing. It suggests that every piece of knowledge we possess is not solely given to us but is instead a collaborative effort between ourselves and the external world. Our experiences, observations, and interpretations all shape the knowledge we acquire. This notion challenges the traditional view of knowledge as a one-sided transmission and invites us to view knowledge as a dynamic, interconnected process.To illustrate this concept further, consider the example of an artist. An artist's inspiration may come from various sources – nature, other artists, or even their own emotions. They receive external influences, but it is through their unique perspective, talent, and creativity that they transform these influences into something new and unique. In this way, the artist is not merely a passive recipient of knowledge but an active participant in the creation of it.Similarly, in our everyday lives, we encounter various sources of knowledge – books, teachers, peers, and the internet. However, it is through our own understanding, reflection, and critical thinking that we assimilate this knowledge and make it our own. We bring our unique set of experiences, beliefs, and values to the table, shaping our understanding of the world and formulating our own wisdom.So, while Brigham Young's quote reminds us that all knowledge has a source, it also implores us to recognize our own agency in the process of knowing. It challenges us to be active participants in acquiring wisdom rather than passive recipients of information. In doing so, it encourages a deeper engagement with the world and a richer exploration of our own potential for growth and understanding.In conclusion, Brigham Young's quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and human existence. It reminds us that knowledge is not something we possess in isolation but something that is co-created through our interactions with the world. When we view knowledge in this way, we are encouraged to actively engage with the world, reflect on our experiences, and contribute our unique perspectives. Rather than being passive recipients of knowledge, we become active participants in the process of knowing. So, let us embrace the wisdom offered by this quote and recognize the profound importance of continuous learning and the power of our own agency in shaping knowledge.