I get sad and stressed the more i acquire knowledge?

Question

I'm 21 and for the past 13 years of my life I read books and different materials. I love to read books and I have a vast of interest about many things. The problem is the more books I read, the more information and ideas I get, I realized how little information I have and I know about something. It drives me to read MORE and MORE books and different materials (documentary movies, experience, magazines, Internet etc.). The more I realize I'm dumb with the things I feel strong about. I feel that acquiring knowledge is as vast as the Pacific ocean. I feel that there is a big web that connect different knowledge together. Like you need to know this and that to fully understand this or that. For me knowledge is an endless and a never ending process. Giving some example I'm a nursing student and studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body is so complex and there is SSSOOOOO much to know. And I also read books about the economics and finance, and the more I read the more I get stressed knowing how messed up our monetary system,banking system, and Credit system, education. Sometimes I ask myself waht if I just become some guy who don't care and don't read the I might probably more less stressed and enjoy the luxury of their bliss. What do you think guys? I appreciate your answers.

Answer 1

   No doubt the cow and the hog are happy in their bliss right up to the moment of the slaughter. And even those who don't read and don't care have problems, fears, and frustrations. Why trade in what you are to be something less?

   Try what I do. Life's a game, and it's not the one who dies with the most toys who wins. it's the one who has experienced it the best, in both learning and doing. Right now I put myself in the top 700 million people who do so, but I hope to make it into the top few percent before it's all over.

   And who knows? Perhaps you'll be one of those people who makes things change for the better, in however small a way. You can't be responcible for the whole universe, or even the planet. Just do what you can, and keep trying.

Answer 2

Ecclesiastes 1:18

For in much wisdom is much grief,

      And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Answer 3

wow. i have a friend who is kind of like that.

just read for enjoyment and to learn. i know it's hard to just simply not get stressed about something, but try. after you read something, think "hmm, that's interesting." and then you're smarter without stressing.

or maybe you could vent or get a chanel for your stress. you know, get a job where you could express those ideas. write a column in your newspaper. work at a buisness. make speeches.

i know a guy who knows so so so much stuff it's almost ridiculous.. but he ENJOYS learning. if you enjoy learning, keep reading and learning. just try to figure out a way to control your thoughts/stress/etc.

and yes, knowledge is a very vast area.. it NEVER ends. don't stress about something that is impossible to complete.

Answer 4

- Knowledge is power. Always use this to YOUR advantage.

- Stress kills. Avoid it. Life is short enough as it is! NOTHING is worth stressing over!

- Never be self-critical. Every human is UNIQUE.

- Life is precious. ALWAYS appreciate that fact, AND the woman who CHOSE to give it to you.

- Appreciate ALL that you have, while you are able to. Nothing lasts forever!

Answer 5

I'd say join the club.  I'm a med student and I can completely concur about the anatomy and physiology.  I'm like you as well I love reading about everything but it makes me sad that I can't know more.  I figure though that I'll keep doing what I'm doing so that when I'm old I don't feel like I missed out on as much.  It's also too late for you to decide not to read and care because those are things that become ingrained over time.  I'd say stick to your guns and maybe find something that you can do on the side that lets you calm down.  I for one play video games because it helps turn off my mind and I can just exist rather than constantly think.

Answer 6

Remember the motto of Animal House's beloved Faber College:

"Knowledge is good."

Cinematic idiocy aside, it's not easy to get a balanced picture of life just by reading in depth, fascinating as that can be. You need time and experience to process all the information you're soaking up. 21 is not the acme of existence, it's just a year, one of many I hope you'll have. With time and experience comes discernment, and, if you're fortunate, wisdom and vision to do more than just take it all in. Accumulation of knowledge is not the goal of life, living your life is the goal. Knowledge can help you understand some, but only some, of what it's all about.

You can read dozens of books that tell you the physical process of the smile, but none can tell you why one can brighten your day and make you feel a glow of happiness when it's given by a friend.

Sometimes a simple sandwich and your enjoyment of it can provide a macrocosm of understanding.

Don't be sad because you can't take it all in, and never can. Be glad that you have the means not only to understand some of it, but also the means to affect changes, and share what you know.