I believe these are valid concerns all. I find it unsettling that we wish to keep knowledge away from anyone. Is not the point of meeting others to interact and share knowledge with them? If things have gone badly in the past, who is to say that they shall in the future with new people under new circumstances? I believe there is something very wrong with the people in this town, and if their Elders forbid knowledge, how is that not tyrannical? How is that something any free man or woman can stand behind?
My primary concern may be for my people, but upon reflection, I realize that the parallels run deep. There is little difference between the freedom to walk and the freedom to think. One travels roads of dirt, the other of thought. To restrict either runs counter to everything I hold true.
Knowledge is always dangerous. Is it not said that the pen is mightier than the sword? That forewarned is forearmed? That knowledge is power? Inherent in each statement is the idea that knowledge is far more dangerous than any sword arm might be. A contest of strength can send one to the Earth and lead kingdoms to ruin. A contest of minds can rewrite the course of history. Even the Wraith King, the Chill, they ruled not by might alone, but by knowledge and wisdom, and was it not by knowledge and wisdom that they were defeated?
But even then, should we be wary of sharing or acquiring knowledge? What right have we to say, "I have learned this, and to me it was freely given, but you, you are not good enough to know this, and so I shall keep it from you"? Where is the justice in that? Where is honour or wisdom? It seems to me to stink only of selfishness, of lust for power and domination over others, of cowering fear and hidden agendas to keep the lowly low, and the haughty high.
I understand that this is not your decision, Avaran, but that of the Elders here. I challenge this decision of theirs. Knowledge is not evil, nor is it good, it simply is. If history tells us that we may well create a monster in sharing this knowledge, as Alavatar has said has happened before, are there not also instances where we were taught dangerous information and used it well? I like to think I am a walking example of this. I live under no illusions - I am rash and excitable and enjoy, rather profoundly, utilizing the talents I have and the knowledge I have been given to set any variety of gigantic, ugly creatures aflame. Was this a poor decision on the parts of my teachers, sharing this knowledge, or did they trust that I would learn responsibility with the magic? Did they themselves teach me responsibility with that magic?
A call for patience and caution is not unfair, and I understand that concern. But equally so, we must recognize that knowledge is not something we can or should keep from those who desire to gain it, like a ball held high above the heads of crying, wanting children by some petulant youth. Instead, I think time would be better spent discussing the moral issues at stake, the responsibility of a teacher to his student, and effective ways of teaching the wisdom required for utilizing such knowledge. As I myself have proven before, South Millbrooke comes to mind most readily, forbidding an action only encourages creativity in the least wholesome way possible. Better, instead, is spending that energy on discussing the best course of action, sharing knowledge and theory, and ensuring all teachers are aware what the repercussions are if they, themselves, do not show wisdom.
