Is It Possible for a Human Being to Be All-Knowing?
Has human knowledge reached the threshold of all-knowing? The Nasadiya Sukta of the Rigveda offers an intriguing perspective, questioning the limits of divine knowledge. It probes whether even the divine is aware of everything, or if some enigmas remain beyond the grasp of any being. While many theistic beliefs ascribe omniscience to their deities, these questions challenge our understanding of what it means to be all-knowing.
Human Knowledge and Limitations
As of today, humans have explored a microscopic portion of the universe. We are but a fraction of the one trillion species that may exist in the cosmos. Despite advancements in technology, our knowledge remains confined and incomplete. For instance, the most sophisticated technologies have yet to penetrate the first heaven of the seven heavens in the universe. It remains a mystery, thus highlighting the vast expanse of unknown territories.
Biological and Psychological Factors
Human cognition is not just about the physical knowledge gained from experience but also influenced by biological and psychological processes. Our brains, designed for efficiency, discard information deemed unimportant to optimize functioning. This process, known as synaptic pruning, can lead to issues such as schizophrenia if not properly regulated. The brain filters out the overwhelming amount of information for survival and cognitive maintenance, effectively making the unknown vast and infinite.
The Illusion of Knowledge
Considering the fragility of human knowledge, it’s tempting to assert the impossibility of comprehending everything. Yet, the concept of being a 'know-it-all' implies a delusion of omniscience, a fallacy that only leads to self-deception. The very act of attempting to 'know everything' contradicts the finite nature of human experience and perception.
Engaging in a thought experiment, imagine stepping into the largest building with just a candle. Preclude all other light sources, and what you can perceive is limited to the flicker of that candle. The darkness symbolizes the vast realm of the unknown that human knowledge has not yet illuminated. Even with the collective efforts of humanity, the extent of what we know remains a small fraction of the grand tapestry of the universe.
Conclusion
While the quest for expansive knowledge is admirable, it is crucial to recognize the inherent limits of human cognition. The limits of our knowledge underscore the need for humility and a continuous exploration of the mysteries that surround us. Whether one can be all-knowing is a question that remains metaphysical and speculative, but it encourages us to embrace the known, acknowledge the unknown, and continue our journey of discovery.