Report (4) Essays (438 words) - Knowledge, Epistemology,

Courtney Alsbrook English IV November 2nd, 2015 The Alchemist Essay Throughout life, people learn and figure out new things everyday. While all knowledge is important, all knowledge isn't created equal. Some people are very book smart and their knowledge comes from what they've learned in school and their formal education. Some people have practical knowledge. This includes learning by experience. When it comes to understanding the world, practical knowledge is almost always more important because it will help you in understanding what goes on around you and why it goes on. I can most relate to Santiago in the text because he is a practical learner. He tries to understand life more through action than anything else. In the text, unlike the Englishman, Santiago relies on trial and error to learn. Also Santiago uses Urim and Thummim to get through life. While the Englishman may be smarter, Santiago better understands the world because he knows more than the black white view book knowledge gives you.Also, Santiago's ability to recognize omens also helps him understand the world in the text. Though this isn't something educationally picked up, it is a trait that separates him from people like the Englishman. I also value practical knowledge over book knowledge. The biggest example comes from the many places I've seen in my life. Growing up, I lived in one of the worst neighborhoods in Newark. I saw the worst of the worst for 12 years straight. But at the same time, I had a grandmother who lived in Maplewood with a nice home, another grandmother in Piscataway with a home and a pool who took me on 5+ vacations. I had uncles who were in college and took me to their campuses on weekends. Then, I moved into a better situation. I went from being the most well-off in my neighborhood to being just a black kid in the Ironbound. Living in the Ironbound showered me another side of life. I never saw a lamborghini before I moved here. I never saw 17 year olds with brand new luxury cars. I never understood not having to keep my head on a swivel. I could go on and on, Those experiences helped me understand the world because I'm not one-sided. I've never been poor, but I've lived among the poor. I've never been wealthy but I've seen the wealthy first hand. School could never give me that, To conclude, practical knowledge is more valuable than book knowledge, especially when it comes to understanding the world. Book knowledge can only teach but so much about life.