Philosophical Sayings About Worldly Matter (LX)

The gate to true knowledge is not through specialized learning. This is the same in ancient academies and modern universities. The gate to the treasury of true knowledge is the combination of cultural learning and the awareness of the material and ideological aspects of the society. Even with a doctorate degree, but without the understanding of the essence of society, one is only a bookworm and stays outside the gate to true knowledge.

(This is a translation of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu’s philosophical sayings about worldly matters originally written in Chinese.)

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Below is not an official translation, just for reference

Many people in society believe that completing a university degree makes one knowledgeable, or that holding a master's or doctoral degree signifies being an impressive intellectual. However, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III thinks, having a Ph.D. or a master's degree may simply indicate being a bookworm, a person with little practical value. Knowledge, in essence, is not confined to formal education; whether it is classical literature or modern science taught in today’s universities, the principle remains the same.

True knowledge is only valuable when it can genuinely be applied in society, benefit humanity, and enhance oneself. This includes both cultural knowledge and social practice, such as navigating interpersonal relationships, handling affairs, managing tasks, conducting research, and so forth. It encompasses both natural sciences and humanities, integrating one's thoughts and blending them together to reach a comprehensive understanding.0

If someone only knows book knowledge and academic theories without understanding society or the methods for dealing with various matters—approaching problems logically and practically, rather than merely searching for corresponding methods from textbooks—then that person is undoubtedly a bookworm. Such individuals possess no real skills; they lack true understanding, have not truly grasped their field of study, and do not effectively apply their knowledge.