Part 15 · Knowledge Does Not Apply Itself · points 32–36 of 36 in this Part
This week: insight
Knowledge does not apply itself — so write the program that applies it.
5 numbered points · 1 study question · 2 min read
Knowledge does not apply itself — so write the program that applies it.
Study question for this sublevel
Haanel put a review question at the end of every part. Answer out loud first — the recall is what moves it into memory.
150. What is the value of Insight?
It enables us to understand the value of applying the knowledge which we gain. Many seem to think that knowledge will automatically apply itself, which is by no means true. “To every man there openeth a way, And the high soul climbs the high way, And the low soul gropes the low; And in between on the misty flats, The rest drift to and fro. But to every man there openeth A high way and a low And every man decideth The way his soul shall go.”
Haanel's own words — points 32–36
Quoted exactly from The Master Key System (1912, public domain). The translation above is ours; this is his.
Insight enables us to be prepared for the obstacles which we shall meet; we can therefore overcome them before they have any opportunity to cause difficulty.
Insight enables us to plan to advantage and to turn our thought and attention in the right direction, instead of into channels which can yield no possible return.
Insight is therefore absolutely essential for the development of any great achievement, but with it we may enter, explore and possess any mental field.
Insight is a product of the world within, and is developed in the Silence, by concentration.
For your exercise this week, concentrate on Insight; take your accustomed position and focus the thought on the fact that to have knowledge of the creative power of thought does not mean to possess the art of thinking. Let the thought dwell on the fact that knowledge does not apply itself, and that our actions are not governed by knowledge, but by custom, precedent and habit;that the only way we can get ourselves to apply knowledge is by a determined conscious effort. Call to mind the fact that unused knowledge passes from the mind, that the value of the information is in the application of the principle; continue this line of thought until you gain sufficient insight to formulate a definite program for applying this principle to your own particular problem. “Think truly, and thy thoughts Shall the world’s famine feed; Speak truly, and each word of thine Shall be a fruitful seed; Live truly, and thy life shall be A great and noble creed.” - Horatio Bonar
Put it to work
The Insight Program (Part Fifteen)
Usual seat, focus on the fact that knowledge of the creative power of thought is not the same as possession of the art of thinking.
See all stepsGuided stillness timer
The sit is the whole foundation of the course: still body, watched breath, no phone. Pick five minutes if fifteen feels like a hill.
Open the timerKeep going
The gap between knowing and living — and the ladder across it