Saturday, December 29, 2012
|
 |
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Lahore
Posts: 1,080
Thanks: 1,226
Thanked 1,992 Times in 631 Posts
|
|
A Little Knowledge Is A Dangerous Thing
An inadequate knowledge of any matter can prove very harmful. It may even prove to be disastrous. A radio or an automobile mechanic having a little knowledge of his work may ruin the machinery instead of being able to repair even a minor fault. A man with a meagre knowledge of law may land himself or another person in serious trouble as a result of his ignorance. Not knowing all the implications of the legal postion, he may take a decision or make a commitment that has serious consequences. An unqualified doctor may cause deterioration in the condition of his patient by his wrong prescription. Indeed quacks have been known to cause the death of their patients by their incompetent handling of the cases. In this sphere, a little knowledge is certainly a dangerous thing which could prove to be fatal. It is better not to have even a rudimentary knowledge of medicine than to know a little. When one has acquired a little knowledge of anything one feels tempted to make use of that knowledge for the satisfaction of one's ego. But the exercise or practical application of a little knowledge is likely to lead to many complications. In politics, if one is not fully conversant with facts, and if one has just gathered crumbs of information, one may cause a riot by retailing imperfect, and therefore, misleading, information regarding certain matters to a mob of people. A rumour generally starts on the basis of someone's inadequate knowledge of some matter. Certain rumours thus started can prove very mischievous and harmful. It would not be untrue to say that complete ignorance is preferable to a little knowledge. He who is ignorant will, if the worst comes to the worst, be regarded as a fool. But he who has only a little knowledge may do a great damage.
|