know thy Self

"Knowledge does not enrich us; it removes us more and more from the mythic world in which we were once at home by right of birth." ~ C.G. Jung: Memories,Dreams, Reflections, Chapter 9

0560395  - ALCHEMY - MICROCOSM AND MACROCOSM 
This plate, engraved by Merian for Johann-Daniel Mylius,
Opus Medico-chymicum, 1618, is one of the most complex
and symbolically satisfying from the heyday of learned alchemy.
In essence it is designed to portray the relationships
that subtend between the Higher and Lower worlds,
between the Macrocosm and the Microcosm. 

As we move away from Nature and what is natural - fueled by an insistent drive for "better" and "more" - can we remain in touch with our original being, with who it is we are truly meant to be? 

Do we even know to ask this anymore? When did human beings become so removed from their selves? 

Knowledge is not wisdom in as much as being intelligent does not guarantee wise choices.  

Having knowledge may mean we are no longer illiterate or uneducated but it takes more than mere knowledge to dispel ignorance or eradicate stupidity. 

Being knowledgeable can fool or lull us into believing we know more than we do. 

How do we ever know what we do not yet know? What makes us accept something as incontrovertible fact? 

Do we remain curious? Do we question our own beliefs? 

When did the mundane become more real than the mythic world? 

Home truly is where the heart is.