Expansion of Ideas
A Little Learning is a Dangerous Thing.
We have heard of 'quacks' in the villages who try to cure serious diseases by their so-called magical remedies. This is an example of a little learning being a dangerous thing. Finally when the patient dies they shift the blame to some supernatural powers and wash their hands of the tragedy.
Sometimes children try to imitate dangerous scenes from films, little realising the harm that they can cause to themselves or others. Likewise, learning Yoga from someone who is not an expert in the art could be dangerous. Some people try to repair domestic appliances on their own thinking they can do the job themselves. Lacking sufficient knowledge, they only spoil the appliance. They would do well to call a technician to do the job.
Listening to the advice of someone who is less educated than you can result in your making wrong choices in life. Remember Lord Buddha's teaching: Travel not with a fool. He further goes on to say that if the people you are travelling with are less clever than you or equal in cleverness to you, it is better to travel alone. In other words, it is better to have no friends than to have one who has little knowledge.
.
Difficult Words & Meanings
- Quacks: People who dishonestly claim to have medical knowledge or skills.
- Remedies: Treatments or medicines to cure illnesses or solve problems.
- Supernatural: Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
- Tragedy: An event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress.
- Imitate: To copy or follow as a model.
- Realising (Realizing): Becoming aware of or understanding.
- Domestic Appliances: Machines or devices designed for household use (e.g., toasters, washing machines).
- Sufficient: Enough; adequate.
- Technician: A person skilled in the repair or operation of technical equipment.
- Counsel: Advice, especially that given formally. (While 'advice' is used, 'counsel' is a good related word often implying more formal or expert advice).