Sabian Symbols: A professor peering over his glasses
A professor peering over his glasses
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Libra 11 (10° - 11°)TEACHING
Developing the ability to share what we have learned Most of us like to share what we know with others, even at the simple level of giving directions to a stranger or tips for cooking. It is an aspect of Knowledge itself that it desires to be known and passed from generation to generation, keeping itself alive and evolving. Knowledge is a living thing and all living things have an investment in the future. Those who have dedicated their lives in pursuit of furthering their knowledge find that the real difficulty comes when trying to present it to others, younger students who need to be understood if they are to be instructed properly.
Rudhyar: A PROFESSOR PEERING OVER HIS GLASSES AT HIS STUDENTS |
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A professor peering over his glasses at his students
Specialisation
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It takes the grace of modesty to express knowledge as wisdom
The professor, with all the idiosyncratic nuances of this line of work, is as much a part of his specialty as the supportive books and lectures, perhaps even more so. At the horizon of knowledge, a specialist mentality is needed as a skill of the conscious mind. This particular facility of consciousness does not arise alone; it requires an intense commitment to the process of self-refinement within a chosen, definite field of endeavour. To claim the greatest influence over the shaping of ideas, we are required to have developed the greatest insight and most subtle depth of understanding. We have to love our subject as part of ourselves – and, no less, we have to believe in ourselves actually as an aspect of the cutting edge of our subject. The knowledge itself is not enough – a thesis always has to be defended, and this requires the strengthening of the ego. Although so often disdained as an inelegant characteristic, a very strong ego is an achievement that often gives rise to further achievement. Whatever may have been the first reason we chose to specialise, soon we come to learn that such an intense involvement generates influence – so we come to accept the importance of acting out a position of superiority among our associates. There are a few exceptions, but the general rule is that in any attempt to develop quiet mastery – a quality so admired and sought after – a high ego sponsors attainment. We can see from this that it becomes inevitable that we claim position as we claim understanding – and become the authority on a matter. By no means is it necessary to become arrogant, compelling the subservience of others and taking joy in their deprecation. We may, however, need to acknowledge that our service to give form to wisdom will often cost us the freedom to experience humility – and the grace that modesty attracts. Yet of course, it is the very surrendering of self that makes this work even possible; all other considerations need to be subordinated to the dramatisation of responsibility towards knowledge itself, in its yearning to be known. |
