The Curse of Universal Knowledge

Knowledge is power. I learned this as a kid. But knowledge that is considered to be universal, in that it is widely accepted by all to be true, may sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. This is because we tend to assume that this knowledge is being applied appropriately in all settings. As a result, no one is willing to test whether it is being used appropriately lets they draw the ire of those whose work is being "questioned."

This phenomenon is evident in the field of peace=building. It is generally accepted that a system is more than the sum of its parts. Most people can provide at least one example of this principle at work. Water is a simple but powerful example. Water is made up chemically of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Neither hydrogen nor oxygen is wet; both are gases. But when they are combined in the chemical formula for water they take on emergen properties of water that cannot be found in either hydrogen or water.

Given the universal state of this knowledge it is strange that it is also universally assumed that this principle can be ignored in the search for global peace. Every peace building initiative assumes that peace can be brought to humanity one person at a time. Those involved in this vital work seem to work under the assumption that if peace can be brought to humans individually then collectively peace will reign throughout humanity.

As long as we continue to follow a principle we know is flawed we will never achieve the greatest prize that we seek.