The whole universe is a mystery and everything within it is
mysterious. We cannot claim – rather it is presumptuous to do so – that we know
fully about anything in this world. As we go on discovering, the mystery deepens.
As we go on gaining knowledge, we become more and more aware of our ignorance.
Perhaps, it is not unreasonable, though paradoxical, to say
that knowledge also increases our ignorance, and knowledge means progressive awareness
of our ignorance.
The ignorance prior to knowledge is tamas, like darkness due
to a low vibration of light, and the ignorance that follows knowledge is
sattva, like darkness due to a high vibration of light.
Though we cannot know anything completely, still it is not
wise to stop learning. The very attempt to know itself is immensely beneficial.
Even though we cannot know fire in its totality, the knowledge that it burns is
of great advantage to us.
Swami Nityasthananda 0f Sri Ramakrishna Mission