Action vs Knowledge

For this week’s blog post I thought I would discuss my take on action versus knowledge.

In class, we discussed the Mīmāṃsā and Advaita Vedānta schools of thought. Generally, I oriented myself more towards the Mīmāṃsā school of thought. Granted, I do actually prefer reading the Upanishads over passages on Vedic ritual, but the Mīmāṃsā idea that action is greater than knowledge really resonates with me.

Although knowledge makes up our intellect, our actions define us as people. There is truth to the cliche “actions speak louder than words” or in this case “actions speak louder than thoughts.” Knowing something is wrong doesn’t mean you won’t stop doing it. Ultimately, actions are influenced by other actions.

To support my point, I thought Ram-Prasad’s gambling example was especially effective. Although a gambler may know the risks and consequences involved, that knowledge alone cannot counteract the action of gambling. As stated in the article “his opponent is mistaken if they think that the attainment of knowledge of the good (the ritually correct, the virtuous, the moral, the prudential) can stop actions that are set against it.” In reality, “right cognitions” cannot always counteract “wrong actions.” 

Though I generally favor the Mīmāṃsā outlook, this in no way means I discredit the importance of knowledge! Knowledge in many cases can prevent “wrong actions” from occurring (e.g - prevention programs). However, it is the actions one takes, including acquiring knowledge, that reign paramount.