Alexa's Analysis of "Zeal Without Knowledge"

Alexa Pullan
11-28-11
RFIW Critical Analysis
“The Importance of Thoughts and Knowledge”

In “Zeal Without Knowledge”, Hugh Nibley stresses the importance of thoughts and how they relate to gaining knowledge. He writes that people should be “directing our minds to the highest possible object” thereby becoming the individuals that they are meant to be. He criticizes members of the church for having too much zeal and not caring about understanding. He points out that it does not matter how zealous a person is if they do not have an understanding. Through metaphors, appeal to logos, and quotes, Hugh Nibley successfully shows his audience that being zealous is not enough; it is important to train thoughts and constantly seek for knowledge.

Metaphors can be found throughout “Zeal Without Knowledge” and they help illustrate Nibley’s purpose. He compares being able to choose what someone thinks about to “choos[ing] from the heap whatever gem [someone] wants- but only one.” In this situation, all attention would be focused on one object and all others would drop into the background. Using this metaphor, Nibley shows two important principles. The first is thoughts are so important that they can be compared to treasures. Just as someone would treat a treasure with care, one should also treat thoughts with care. People today don’t really understand the importance of thoughts and waste time watching TV, or “merely sitting in meetings” (Nibley 209). The second important principle is that humans can only think about one thing at a time. Each and every thought is a choice. “If every choice I make expresses a preference… then with every choice I am judging myself, proclaiming... to God… the things to which I give supreme importance.” Think about the purpose of this life. Shouldn’t each and every thought be used to better oneself? Nibley compares zeal to an engine; however, the comparison also works between the mind and an engine. “Without clutch, throttle, brakes, and steering wheel, our mighty engine becomes an instrument of destruction” (Nibley 210). The clutch, throttle, brakes, and steering wheel can be compared to knowledge. The more knowledge that is obtained, the more control there is over the “engine.”

Nibley appeals to his audience’s logos to prove his point. He begins with quoting findings from the latest scientific studies. Quoting Nigel Calder, he wrote, “‘Two of the most self-evident characteristics of the conscious mind [are that]… the mind attends to one thing at a time, [and] that, at least once a day,… the conscious mind is switched off.’” These studies, made by respected scientists, show how important each and every thought is. Nibley also gives obvious and ridiculous examples. “We think it more commendable to get up at five a.m. to write a bad book than to get up at nine o’clock to write a good one- that is pure zeal…” (Nibley 213). Obviously, no one would really believe that a bad book is better than a well written book simply because the author woke up earlier to work on it. It isn’t logical. The ridiculous example makes it seem ridiculous to believe that zeal is more important, or even as important as, knowledge.

Nibley’s last, and most powerful, tool is his use of quotations. Nibley realizes that most of his audience will be members of the church. He quotes scriptures, something that members of the church have a firm testimony of, to prove his point. Because the scriptures are such a huge part of the LDS religion, many people agree without hesitation. His use of quotes, both shocking and firm, helps convince his audience of the importance of our thoughts and gaining knowledge. “Sin is waste. It is doing one thing when you should be doing other better things for which you have the capacity… ‘Probably 99 per cent of human ability has been wholly wasted,’ writes Arthur Clarke” (Nibley 209). Not only does Nibley point out that idle thoughts are sins, but he shows that everyone is in constant need of repentance; everyone falls short because such a small percentage of human ability is used.

Just as Abraham was constantly “seeking for greater light and knowledge” (Abraham 1:2), people today should be trying to obtain greater light and knowledge. Learning is a continuous and infinite process and if the human mind has the capability to only think of one thing at a time, it is extremely important that thoughts are benefiting and used to better oneself. Through metaphors, appeal to logos, and quotes, Hugh Nibley shows that this can successfully be done if one is willing to train their thoughts and constantly seek for knowledge.