Literature as Source of Knowledge

It is a fact that though man lives by instinct he progresses only by intellect. Civilization began with the development of intellect in man. So many changes took place in him. Now for everything man depends upon knowledge first and in man intellect overshadows instinct. When we read the works of poets, philosophers, intellectuals, we can understand very well the purpose behind their writings. For example if we read the works of Keats, Wordsworth, Shelley, Shakespeare, Milton, Spinoza, Jesus and Machiavelli, we can understand what love of beauty, Nature, liberty, perfection, greatness, intellect, love and power is respectively. It is the beginning for everything and without which nothing can be achieved in the world. This is the best diversion from tension, anxiety, worries and fear for anyone towards attaining a sense of relief or freedom. Actually by this way only intellect of man might have improved and overcome all kinds of fear.

From experience man learns a lot, gains knowledge out of it and gets wisdom, as time passes on. From the usual activities he forms a routine for himself. In the routine life he follows a system without affecting the privileges, rights and liberties of other people or society. In the routine life he covers all aspects of human needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, work, entertainment, arts and music. He tries to achieve harmonious human perfection or a satisfying completion in life and this sort of living only is usually expressed in literature as human culture. Culture differentiates and ennobles human being from others. Knowledge, wealth and power are needed for the world life. Anyone of the three alone cannot solve and fulfil problems and commitments of life. But without knowledge other resources cannot be wisely utilized for the betterment of oneself or the world. With high knowledge, power may be gained but human perfection cannot be achieved. Therefore according to Robert Browning by the synthesis of love and knowledge only perfection of individual soul can be achieved. Also, according to Matthew Arnold harmonious human perfection can be achieved only by culture. It is a fact that human efforts in the field of science and technology, wonderful expressions in literature and religious services are various ways of doing works not for material benefits or recognition but for spiritual satisfaction. Further freedom got from the synthesis of love and knowledge leading towards perfection only helps man to enjoy life with joy, peace and satisfaction. In addition to that the main aspects of human nature such as the sense of goodness, beauty and truth are also fulfilled by way of culture and more than anything else the best thing to do in the world is to pass on such knowledge of culture to others generation after generation.

Spiritual Perfection

But acquiring knowledge is not enough for one to become powerful to solve all problems of life and attain perfection and to liberation. Intellectually musing over things of life, man, world, Nature, etc., one is sure to get visions, dreams, ideas, quite institutional in nature of the past, the present and the future. Without such dreams or visions one cannot become perfect to lead a happy and successful life. In fact ambition is the driving force that helps to overcome hardships and difficulties and turn a dull and insipid life into an interesting and noble one because of its inspiring power that gives the hope that life is worth living at least to know the noble things of life if not to achieve noble things in the world for oneself or for others. Therefore it is clear that ambition based on intellectual vision will certainly fructify into a noble achievement which we see in the great works of literature in the world. For example the poetic works of Robert Browning, W. B. Yeats and William Wordsworth can be quoted. At first Browning thought that the end aim of life is attaining power by acquiring highest knowledge. He realized that knowledge can only be a means to the religious truths but with love, which is the creative cause of Universe, it is possible to touch the infinite power between God and man. So, with the synthesis of knowledge and love perfection of man can be achieved. Therefore the purpose of life is to achieve perfection in life through love, art, music, paintings, poetry, etc. If the forces spoil the efforts towards perfection, highest goal or ideals should not be relinquished for earthly pleasures or material or trivial things. This philosophy of life can be seen in many of his poems such as Abt Vogler, The Last Ride Together, Andre Del Sarto, etc.

Fail I alone, in words and deeds? Why, all men strive and who succeeds? We rode; it seemed my spirit flew, Saw other regions, cities new As the world rushed by on either side. I thought, All labour, yet no less Bear up beneath their unsuccess Look at the end of work, contrast The petty done, the undone vast,

This present of theirs with the hopeful past! I hoped she would love me, here we ride.

(Stanza V, The Last Ride Together)