Have you found this to be true?

Question

During Solomons monologue in Ecclesiastes (1:17-18) there is an interesting statement:

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;
the more knowledge, the more grief.

He seems to have been in a negative mind set when he said it and I guess my lows are lower when I have more to be upset about so it seems true but knowledge often gives me a high as well.

Old School Hero · Accepted Answer

Neuropsychologists are figuring out lifestage psychology that is relevant to your question. There is no quick explanation, so I suggest you read the summaries of  the book, "The Wisdom Paradox," on Amazon. It seems there IS a phase of life beyond the conventional infant-adolescent-adult sequence. The result is a broader concept of life that makes the busy-busy-busy affairs and thoughts of 30-60 year olds seem ... well, immature.

Jed · Answer

Not so much a negative mindset, as it is an observation. Although the book does seem to have a "downer" of a tone to it.
Recognizing and remembering that situations always change is key to not allowing the emotions to get the better of you...and not making decisions based on feelings, but on facts.

Tarina “It Works” JoyLove · Answer

There is a saying that "ignorance is bliss." That's because with knowledge comes power and responsibility.

The more you understand something, the more you may have to question what is comfortable- what you've "always known to be true" might not be true... and that can be very unsettling.

Hence growing pains.

imrod · Answer

I had my young daughter watch "To Kill a Mocking Bird."  "Dad, I just didn't understand." When she is a little older I'll have her watch "Crash." She has friends of all races, but doesn't understand the history, so she really doesn't understand others. As she grows she will better understand, and I am sure it will cause some sorrow.

June smiles · Answer

To a degree. I love learning, but much we learn is depressing. It brings up thoughts of "why bother"? 

Over the long run, thinking is the reason God gave us thinking brains. It is all out there for us to learn and realize greater understanding.

Hopefully we will use what we learn to the greatest benefit.

.:=RM=:. · Answer

Yes

Anonymous · Answer

if you ask me...it sounds like a "ignorance is bliss" kinda thing...and it could be the christian people trying to prevent people from furthering their knowledge and realizing religion is only a form of control...but that only my opinion

Anonymous · Answer

There is great sadness in the knowledge that many refuse Jesus.

Anonymous · Answer

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you more.

Anonymous · Answer

It's really just a different way of saying that ignorance is bliss.

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Have you found this to be true?

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