Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "Having a desire without being accompanied by appropriate knowledge is very dangerous", the main reason I choose that topic is because many people are suffering when they are unable to fulfill those desires, From the perspective of psychology, desire is like a compass that gives strong demands to the owner of the desire, , if the level of desire is higher than his natural ability, then someone will be increasingly tormented by that desire, If a person's ability is higher than the level of desire, then a person will get inner satisfaction, let's discuss in more depth the dangers of having desires that are not balanced by adequate knowledge.
Definition of Desire:
- Desire is a strong internal drive to achieve or possess something. Desires can be material (such as owning a luxury home, car, or the latest gadgets) or non-material (such as achieving career success, gaining recognition, or experiencing happiness). Desire is a natural part of human nature and is often the primary motivation behind our actions and decisions.
- However, it's important to understand that desire itself is neutral. Its impact, whether positive or negative, depends heavily on how we manage and direct it. Healthy desires can motivate us to work hard, learn, and grow. Conversely, uncontrolled or unrealistic desires can lead to frustration, disappointment, and even actions that harm oneself or others.
Definition of Knowledge:
- Knowledge is organized, systematic, and verified information. Knowledge is acquired through learning, research, observation, and experimentation. Knowledge is not just a collection of facts, but also an understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the universe and society.
- Knowledge plays a crucial role in helping us understand the world around us, make rational decisions, and solve complex problems. Knowledge also enables us to develop technology, improve the quality of life, and achieve social progress. In the context of desire, knowledge serves as a compass that guides us towards realistic and measurable goals.
Why Can Desire Without Knowledge Be Dangerous?
1. Irrational and Potentially Harmful Decisions:
- Without adequate knowledge, we tend to make decisions based on emotions, prejudices, or inaccurate information. For example, someone who wants to invest in the stock market without understanding the correct investment principles can easily get caught up in a Ponzi scheme or buy penny stocks whose value can plummet in a short time.
- In a business context, an entrepreneur who wants to open a restaurant without conducting careful market research or understanding operational management may experience huge losses and even go bankrupt.
2. Unrealistic Expectations and Disappointment:
- Desires that are not supported by knowledge often result in expectations that are far from reality. For example, someone who wants to become a professional athlete without training hard and understanding the correct techniques may feel frustrated and disappointed when they fail to achieve their goals.
- In personal life, someone who has excessively high expectations of a partner or relationship without understanding the dynamics of a healthy relationship may experience prolonged conflict and disappointment.
3. Vulnerability to Manipulation and Exploitation:
- People who have great desires but lack knowledge are easily exploited by irresponsible parties. For example, someone who desperately wants to get rich quickly may fall victim to fraudulent investment scams or other get-rich-quick schemes.
- In the political world, societies that are poorly educated and easily influenced by propaganda can be manipulated to support policies that harm their own interests.
4. Taking Unmeasured Risks:
- Without knowledge, we tend to take unmeasured risks that can potentially endanger ourselves or others. For example, someone who wants to climb a mountain without knowledge of navigation, proper equipment, or weather conditions can get lost, injured, or even die.
- In a financial context, someone who wants to take out a large loan without understanding interest rates, terms, and the ability to repay it can get caught up in debt that is difficult to overcome.
Religious Perspective (Islam)
- In Islam, seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. The Qur'an and hadith emphasize the importance of knowledge as a foundation for doing good deeds and achieving happiness in this world and the hereafter. Desires must be in line with religious principles and supported by knowledge so as not to be misleading.
- For example, someone who wants to get a blessed sustenance must seek knowledge about how to do business in a halal way and avoid usury, fraud, and other haram practices.
Psychological Perspective
- Psychology also emphasizes the importance of balance between desire and ability. Realistic and measurable desires, supported by appropriate knowledge and skills, are more likely to be achieved and provide satisfaction.
- Albert Bandura's Self-Efficacy theory explains that a person's belief in their ability to achieve certain goals greatly influences their motivation, effort, and perseverance. Knowledge and experience are important factors in building self-efficacy.
Solutions: Developing Knowledge and Wisdom
1. Education and Continuous Learning:
- Attend formal education, training, seminars, or workshops to improve knowledge and skills in areas relevant to your desires.
- Take advantage of online learning resources such as online courses, video tutorials, articles, and e-books.
2. In-Depth Research and Analysis:
- Do careful research before making important decisions, especially those involving financial or personal risks.
- Use accurate data, statistics, and information to support your analysis.
3. Seeking Mentors and Consultants:
- Seek advice from experts or professionals in relevant fields.
- Find a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback.
4. Self-Evaluation and Reflection:
- Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
- Identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge and skills.
- Reflect on your experiences and learn from your mistakes.
5. Critical and Skeptical Thinking:
- Don't easily believe the information you receive.
- Question your own assumptions and biases.
- Look for strong evidence and support before drawing conclusions.
Conclusion
Desire is an extraordinary driving force, but without knowledge and wisdom, it can be a source of problems and suffering. Knowledge gives us the ability to understand the world, make rational decisions, and achieve our goals in an effective and responsible manner. Therefore, it is important for us to continue learning, developing ourselves, and seeking knowledge throughout our lives. In this way, we can manage our desires wisely and achieve true happiness."