The Knowledge of Good and Evil Essay -- Essays Papers

The Know conductge of tidy and EvilThe quest for knowledge and learning has been occuring since the creation of gentlemankindkind. Ever since the ophidian in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve to eat the forbidden orchard apple tree from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, promising she would wise as the gods, man has been battling with this endless pursuit. Some men want wisdom so that they whitethorn be able to live a good and righteous life. some other men want only the superpower that knowledge can shoot them, to use it for their own sinful purposes. Literature tells the history of two very(prenominal) different men who had this thirst for wisdom magnate Solomon in the experient Testament, remembered for his wisdom and uprightness and the legendary Doctor Faustus, known for his sinful obligation with the devil. While driven by opposing forces, both men valued to be exceedingly wise, and each had an encounter with a remarkable char because of it.The bible recounts the story of the great King Solomon, the son of the notable King David. By following God and his commandments, David had built his empire into a legacy, which was and so passed on to Solomon. Soon after Solomons reign began, the Lord appeared to him in a dream, offering him anything he desired. Solomons request was wisdom and knowledge, so that he may govern his people fairly, and know the difference in the midst of good and the bad. Therefore, God granted Solomon wisdom, that of which no one before or since has had in such abundance. And because Solomon chose wisdom, showing concern for his people, God decided to reenforce him with not only knowledge, but with riches and honor to set him by from all other kings in history. Solomon then used his riches to figure of speech an official house for the lord, to show his love and reverence for God Almighty. Solomons reputation quickly spread, reaching the Queen of Sheba. Intrigued, she visited him, bringing rich gifts with her spices, gold, remarkable stones. The queen was very smart herself, almost an equal in currency and riches to Solomon. Upon meeting Solomon though, the queen was immediately impressed by his wisdom. She short converted to his religion, swearing that his God must indeed be the greatest. Solomons righteousness and virtue are the antithesis of Doctor Faustus, the title character of Christopher Marlowes play, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. In this story, we see a man with n... ...all too human desire for pleasurable things. Had it not been for the enticement of having Helen in his bed, Faustus may have repented, and turned from his deal with the devil. But because he let his baser desires rule him, Faustus promised to do whatever necessary for the devil, just so that he may have Helen of Troy as his paramour. This carnal desire pissed Faustus fate, and in the end, he is taken out-of-door to hell by fiends.Obviously, the desire for knowledge and the power that comes with it can be either a terrific blessing or a damning curse. Solomon is an instance of how knowledge and power can be used for good. When encountering a beautiful, exotic woman, Solomon kept a level head and impressed her with his supreme brilliance and power. Solomon didnt let his lusty desires rule his life he let God consume the reins. On the other hand, there is Doctor Faustus, whose arrogance and sinfulness led to his own downfall. At a point when he was considering turning away from the devil, Faustus lets the promise of fleshly pleasures with a beautiful woman steer him dorsum to the devil. Although he was granted unlimited knowledge, Faustus clearly didnt learn anything.