Knowledge In Greek Myth

Francis Bacon once said, “Knowledge is power.” In greek literature, knowledge is viewed as the cause of a hero’s demise, a burden they could not afford to carry. However, today knowledge is looked upon through a new lense as an investment in the future of humanity and society. Throughout history, knowledge has patently dissipated from being a burden to becoming beneficial. This is seen through greek myths, how education affects poverty, and various religions. Greek mythology has shown knowledge as a burden through its many stories. Weather or not one may see knowledge as a burden depends on how people interpret the myth. For example, in Oedipus Rex, he is fated by Apollo to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus attempts to run away …show more content…
According to Global Partnership for Education, 171 million people would be above the line of poverty if all children were taught the necessary reading skills (2). Lowering worldwide poverty by 12% could not only impact the lives of the present, but affect the living conditions of many in the future. Absolute poverty would be decreased by 30% if education in first world countries was reconstructed, in reference to the Education Commision (3). Similarly, as reported by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, income of each and every person would raise by about 10% each year of furthered education they receive. This betters the economy as a whole while encouraging others to carry on their academic careers (1). Not to mention, higher education teaches students skills allowing them to travel better career paths that help boost the economy and quality of life. Mentioned by the World Bank, the new average length of schooling for a child will be 10 years in 2050. If every child received an education there would be about a 70% decrease in GDP per capita in developing countries by that year as well, having the potential to raise that average (2). Along with advancing humanity and the economy, research done by the Global Partnership for Education concludes that educating all children can improve the environment. By the year 2030, it is predicted climate …show more content…
To elaborate, Buddhists believe that one day they will reach total peace, called Nirvana. To obtain this Buddhists must gain knowledge of the teachings of Buddha. His methods consisted of varying meditation techniques combined with deep faith in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Learning his methods were beneficial by overcoming negative thoughts, such as anger. Then converting those thoughts into positive ones, such as love. Once experience is gained in the skill of meditation, Buddha wanted it to be spread to other people so that one day everyone can reach eternal peace (Gyatso). Christianity is another commonly practiced religion that gives knowledge on how to reach heaven. Christians believe this is where people go after God has judged their faith to him. In this religion God is three entities, the father, the son, and the holy spirit. The son was sent down to earth to rid humans of original sin. Jesus left behind a holy book called, the Bible and it taught people how to live their lives. In that book, the ten commandments are mentioned and a few among them are, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and thou shalt not commit adultery. These are a few beneficial lessons taught by Jesus show his followers to keep peace, help the needy and spread his wisdom throughout the world (Slick). Another instance where knowledge is beneficial in a religion is shown