“Knowledge is power.” Indeed. This cliche` is one of the few eternal truths that guides the world of thoughts. If you think otherwise, be free to disagree.
Knowledge seem to be naturally fitted with Education. A chance for good education somehow opens the door of vast knowledge. However, is it accessible to everyone? I think not. Formal education is not free. People living in impoverished countries can attest to that. Poverty, lack of support, lack of interest, time constraints, are but some reasons why education is a priviledge to some. However, if one needs to know, reasons are but excuses. One who is determined would definitely find ways to learn.
Formal education has its benefits. Huge ones, indeed. On the other hand, non-formal or non-tradional means of acquiring knowledge is equally beneficial.
In the absence of formal education, others seek wisdom from experiences, while some would try to acquire knowledge from a great deal of studies and research, maximizing every possible means. “School of Thoughts”, “University of the Hardknocks”- are terms used by the wise when asked about the source of their wisdom. Or, so I heard. To be acquainted with the likes of them who made their marks without formal education is a great priviledge. For me, at least. What I found to be remarkable? They excude a great deal of inspiration.
Personally, I can say that I have been lucky. I had a taste of both. Good conversations made it possible. Most of my knowledge were cultivated by such. And, I am thankul for that. I always crave for a taste of “Good Conversations”.
****
Out of some whimsical drive or whatever, I started a google group discussion-
http://groups.google.com/group/goodconversations.
Just so, to have a taste of that “Good conversations” that I like so much, over the blogosphere. 
Copyright by: Leofina Jane G.Galleta
All Rights Reserved.©2008leofinajanegalleta
Leofina Jane
September 14, 2008 at 3:18 pm
hey there…. your blog really makes for an interesting read. kudos!
check out mine sometime, and lemme know wat u think!
http://themoondothshine.wordpress.com/
September 14, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Sayan, thank you so much for your comment,:-)
Sure, I would check on your blog later. Cheers!:-)
September 14, 2008 at 8:48 pm
A good conversation is one of the great pleasures in life. Sometimes I need to remind myself to check my ego at the door…opinionated as I am, I need to excercise a little humility in order to learn. I’m getting better at it.
We’re living in the information age…we have access to more knowledge than ever before, just need the inclination to seek it out (and the ability to spot dis-information).
Er, I’m rambling. Nice blog.
September 14, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Hello Mantecanaut, and welcome,
.
If all ramblings are like this, I would love to hear/read as much as I can, lol:-).
What makes conversations good? Hmmmmn… For me, I must learn/realize something from, or out of, anything.
Good conversations is great because it’s a win-win situation, most of the time at least.
Why? Because one must give and take at the same time.
Many thanks mantecanaut, for your wonderful insight.
September 14, 2008 at 9:51 pm
If it’s not too ‘deep’, we can look at society/human culture as a homogeneous conversation ; the slow interchange and development of ideas. Perhaps not always a “good” conversation, but then it’s up to us to make it better, or at least more interesting
September 14, 2008 at 10:00 pm
The acquisition of knowledge, and potentially power, requires students to participate in the learning process. Good conversations may stimulate such participation. One would expect the stimulation of students to develop critical thining skills so necessary for success in the real world would be something public education advocates would champion. Too frequently, however, public school administrators substitute politically motivated policies for sound principles of education.
The Twilight’s Last Gleaming On Public education is an intriguing, socially relevant, and enlighetning story, which possesses many of the elements commonly found in just about every school system throughout the United States. It discusses the potential, challenges, and obstacles that currently litter the public education landscape in America. It is available online via http://www.xlibris.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.borders.com, or http://www.amazon.com. Ask you local bookstore to order copies. Discuss it with your friends. See if you can identify with the characters and situations presented. See if you agree with the solutions proposed.
September 14, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I hear you, mantecanaut,:-).. I seem to see a bigger picture here,:-). Thanks to your insight.:-) All things, being subjects to an evolution of sort, must inevitably undergo a certain process, conversations included….indeed.:-)
And so it happens that an “interesting exchange” is a factor to ensure a rather progressive nature in conversations… Let me see.. I must say then that receptiveness and openmindedness must also be considered…in consideration to individual level of understanding and knowldge, perhaps..:-)
Well, I must say that your comment made this more interesting, lol,:-).
Thanks again, mantecanaut,:-).
September 14, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Edbooked, thank you for participating,:-).
Personally, I crave for knowledge – a potential power that may come with, or from, with it is another matter. If it is a good thing to have, I must put it into consideration, if not, then I’ll just say thanks, but no thanks. First things first,
.
So, what’s with the need to learn..Everybody wants it..but, for what specific purpose really…
Anyway, thanks edbooked.:-) The book you mentioned seems to be interesting, will keep that in mind for future reference,:-).
September 16, 2008 at 8:36 am
This week was the 50th anniversary of the invention of the integrated circuit, which we all know very well because without them we wouldn’t be able to click on our much-cherished laptop or desktop keyboards to generate the information/knowledge that this wonderful drippingmind blog has stimulated us to generate.
When asked once what can we do to help our children invent new things, Jack Kilby, the inventory of the integrated circuit and winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics simply said, “Read them fairy tales.”
September 17, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hey Leo,
Knowledge is power indeed! And I found it extremely interesting the way you expose the several ways of acquiring knowledge. However, I have also noticed that even those who were lucky enough to have access to college education can be rather ignorant at times.
In the Internet Era it is unforgivable not to know things; not to have a broad sense of culture and knowledge: but folks prefer to use the Internet for leisure purposes, pornography and spamming instead *nodding*.
The more one knows the more the soul becomes enlightened; and there is where the power lies!
Fantastic post, dear
!
Cheers
September 18, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Hello Max! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment,
.
Now that you mentioned about the “so-called educated but apparently not,:-)” it really breaks my heart to see these college kids, spending more of their time doing something else, like cutting their classes so they can watch movies, or play billards somewhere.. It’s stupid, you know. There are lots of kids who has to work in between classes just so they can support themselves, and yet the priviledged ones are just wasting the opportunities given to them. Instead of making the most out of anything available to aid their studies, these kids got the nerve to act like they’re going to school as a favor to their parents who sacrifices a lot for their education.. Anyway, let me take a deep breath first, Max. Lol!:-)
Pardon me, I can’t help reacting strongly about this,
. Children and social welfare are my advocacies, you see. Again, thank you for your wonderful comment, Max,:-).
September 18, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I. Cant, Thank you again for the input, especially for the link you shared! I browsed, and it looked interesting,:-). I’l get back to it soonest, thanks!:-)
September 19, 2008 at 2:38 am
Excellent post. =D
Personally, I feel that knowledge isn’t the number of degrees you hold or how well you can rattle off facts and figures. Knowledge is a process – it’s always ‘going on’. The quest for learning, we may call it – it’s what drives us forward. Many of us (and I know I’m not the only one) – have this overwhelming inner desire to reach for ‘higher things’. It’s something we want to know, to understand, to remember, something that makes us things see in a new way, makes us appreciate or just plain lights up the path.
You sometimes come across people saying, “Knowledge is indeed power, but it’s also depends a great deal on how and to what it is applied to,” – But I feel that’s only half of the picture. Because if we try to view it that way, then we end up havind a very practical, limited notion of what knowledge is all about.
As you point out, there’s actually a lot more to it – ‘wisdom’, the often neglected half of knowledge. And you know what really sets them apart? You can look for knowledge outside, but true wisdom you’ll only find within.
Anyway, it definitely is true that learning is really fun. I mean, just knowing that classical music helps a patient suffering from stroke recover faster, or that dogs never dream, or that tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body – it sure is a delight in itself. =D
September 19, 2008 at 9:08 am
Iloveyourcomment, ilovemint,:-).
Just before I went to bed last night, I sent a note to the group in “good conversations” wherein I’ve said that I am inspired to think when I am with witty and smart people,:-). Your comment made me realize something today..
As you’ve mentioned that knowledge has something to do with a process, fueled with a desire to know/ learn.. I came into conclusion then,
- that desire to know comes first,
-then, knowledge comes in
-the conventional and unconventional methods in learning are both essential to awaken wisdom
-and, as mentioned by Max, the power comes and/lies with knowledge..
- with your very valid point into its manner of applications, I realized just know how intellectually gifted and powerful people could become heartless, selfish, power-hungry monsters.. It’s because the power that comes with knowledge defeats and disarmed their very own wisdom…therefore, that greedy and selfish nature dominates the mind.. Wisdom should have been the “heart” of power and knowledge..without it, one’s humanity becomes lifeless…
I lovemint, thank you for stirring this conversation into a higher notch! Cheers!:-)
October 10, 2008 at 2:58 am
that’s rearlly your blog makes for an interesting read ; kudos! for me too knowledge is power; ecause formal education helps me get a certificate qnd so have a job and a decant income . but i regret that a lot of peaple are excluded and dont have the prireldge to have an education . it s a pity to now that girls like me surfer from gender discrimnation and dont have free access to education
October 10, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Abirr khriss, thank you for checking my blog and joining our conversation here,:-). Great insights, my friend,:-), really inspiring thoughts! Cheers!:-)