Philosophical Sayings About Worldly Matter (X)

The one who is only good at reciting other’s works is ignorant. The value in such works lies in their application to reality. A brilliant university graduate, or a master of the Four Books and Five Scriptures, without knowing how to put what he has learned into practice, can hardly feed for himself and offers no benefit to society. Only when the masterpieces are in put into use can they be powerful in terms of social advancement. It is only then that knowledge is transformed into a material force.

(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.

There is such prejudice in society that a person who has knowledge and skills is often considered a talented individual, but a problem arises when the abilities they have go to waste. In fact, this is a big mistake. No one, no matter how rich their knowledge and talents are, can be called a talented person if he doesn't put their skills into practice in society. It doesn't matter whether he is a well-educated scholar in ancient times who has read Four Books and Five Scriptures, or a college student now. One must understand how to apply their knowledge to society, If he cannot put the knowledge he has learned into practice in society, such a person can't be called a talent. because only by applying what they learned in social practice - and using the knowledge learned to benefit people, the country and the society - can they be regarded as a real talent. Otherwise, if you just bury your head in reading, collect knowledge, and refuse to use it, you will achieve nothing. You won't even be able to make a living with it, let alone help the public and society. What is the meaning of such knowledge? It has no meaning; there is no purpose behind studying and not using those skills. If book knowledge is used in social practice, scientific and technological inventions and creations are transformed into social productivity. It will improve society and help its development. This is called transferring knowledge into practice, which really benefits human society.