Stoic Principle: Wisdom and Self-Education

 The Pursuit of Wisdom

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

-Philippians 4:8

The appreciation I have for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the invitation we receive to find things in this world which are true, good, and beautiful. In the pursuit of these things, I believe it's important to take these things and elevate them to a higher plain or standard.

In a world where Post Modernism places truth and beauty into moral relativism, the Gospel allows us to take the good things that can be found and to remove them from the mire of sophistry.

A House of Learning

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord stated that we should seek an education with faith.

"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"

-Doctrine & Covenants 88:118-119

Faith and Humility

I believe it's essential to keep in mind that the pursuit of knowledge or wisdom must be done with faith in the Lord, and with humility. Faith is necessary for growing in truth and light. Humility, because pride is a sin. Beware of pride!

Faith

"And now as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

-Alma 32:21

Pride

What is pride? I believe it's important to define the term here.

In a Conference Report from President Ezra Taft Benson:

Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance (see Mosiah 3:11; 3 Nephi 6:18). In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride—it is always considered a sin. Therefore, no matter how the world uses the term, we must understand how God uses the term so we can understand the language of holy writ and profit thereby (see 2 Nephi 4:15; Mosiah 1:3–7; Alma 5:61).

Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.

The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

2 Nephi 9

28. O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

29. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God."

Humility

 To be humble is weakness, but it's an acknowledgement of our limitations here in mortality. It means to learn on a Father in Heaven who will provide the answers when we are ready to receive them.

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."

-Mosiah 4:9

It is indicative upon all of us as mortals on the earth to gain knowledge and understanding of the Divine attributes of God, and sifting through the monotonous noise which seek our attention in order to distract or divert our attention from Him.

"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance."

-Doctrine & Covenants 131:6

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