BEYOND KNOWLEDGE

“Wisdom is the capacity to realize what is of value to life,
for oneself and others.” —Nicholas Maxwell

So many things unknown keep unexplored,
Which our intelligence is moving toward
In its persistent quest to shake the world
Till all its rolled-up secrets lie unfurled,
That we, of all Earth’s species cannot rest
In ignorance, leave mystery unaddressed,
But must press ever on toward new frontiers,
Past apathy, past agony, past fears.

Not all of us, of course, are pioneers;
Only a few have power to innovate
Or make profound discovery their careers,
Though all can urge them on and celebrate—
Yet not unless we wholly realize
That all we learn must serve to choose what's wise.

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