Who does knowledge serve?

There are always people who seek to exploit, dominate, and oppress other people, some of whom are willing to take extreme measures, putting others in prison, even to death.  And there are always people who seek freedom, justice and happiness, not only for themselves but also for others, some of whom are willing to suffer, even to die.  What happens in Hong Kong is no exception. 

In the struggle, there are people with special skills, training, expertise, knowledge, which can serve either camp. Writers, lawyers, judges, teachers, economists, researchers, politicians, businessmen, … Knowledge is generally believed conducive to getting to know the truth.  And as the Bible says, the truth will set you free.  Hence it is reasonable to assume that such knowledgeable people will work for freedom, justice, and compassion.  

Hence it is ironic, sad, even despicable, that many people privileged in possession of such special knowledge, who should know better, who turns out to use their gift, advantage, to serve the oppressor.  To dress up oppression as instruction, brutality as justice, meanness as effectiveness, enforced silence as cheerful agreement, subservience as loyalty; to twist liberty as disturbance, exercise of rights as challenge to authority, spontaneity as conspiracy, sincere criticism as abject subversion.  

It is often difficult to judge another person’s motivation based on their actions and words.  One does not always know whether such deplorable actions are driven by misunderstanding, bias, or a desire for status, power, and wealth.  It is sad if the former, and despicable if the latter.  

There is no doubt that the truth will set us free. What is unsure is whether knowledge necessarily leads to truth.  Parents, teachers, adults, have a great responsibility in nurturing the youth.  But the ultimate responsibility is personal.  God help us.