A man can only attain knowledge with the help of those who

Hear the words of George Gurdjieff, the mystic and teacher of the hidden paths of the spirit, who declared: “A man can only attain knowledge with the help of those who possess it. This must be understood from the very beginning. One must learn from him who knows.” These words carry the weight of humility and the wisdom of ages. They remind us that the path to truth is not walked alone, for no man is born self-sufficient in wisdom. Just as a candle cannot ignite itself, so too must the human mind be kindled by the flame of another.

To say that one must learn from him who knows is not to diminish the seeker, but to honor the chain of wisdom that stretches across generations. All the great treasures of humanity—science, art, philosophy, and faith—have been passed down from master to disciple, from elder to youth, from teacher to pupil. No great edifice of knowledge has ever been built by one soul alone; it has always been the work of many hands, guided by those who came before. Gurdjieff, who sought truth in the hidden schools of East and West, knew this deeply: the proud who refuse guidance walk in circles, while the humble who accept instruction find the way.

Consider the story of Socrates and Plato. Socrates, though he claimed to know nothing, possessed a method of questioning that unearthed wisdom from the depths of the soul. Plato, his disciple, sat at his feet and listened, not because he lacked brilliance, but because he recognized that knowledge was not born in isolation. From Socrates’ teachings, Plato rose to greatness, and from Plato, Aristotle learned, and from Aristotle flowed rivers of thought that shaped the Western world. Here is Gurdjieff’s truth displayed: each generation of seekers stands upon the shoulders of those who know.

History offers another image in the guilds of the Middle Ages. The apprentice entered the workshop with empty hands, but with eyes and ears open. He was taught by the master craftsman, who had inherited secrets from generations before him. With patience, the apprentice learned, until one day he too became a master. Without guidance, his hands would have fumbled in ignorance; with instruction, they became instruments of beauty and precision. This is the eternal law of learning: to receive from those who possess, to honor those who teach, and to carry forward what is gained.

Gurdjieff’s words also strike against the pride of those who believe they can seize knowledge alone. The modern spirit often proclaims, “I need no teacher, I will find truth within myself.” Yet Gurdjieff warns that such pride blinds the seeker. For without guidance, one mistakes shadows for light and falsehood for truth. The humility to sit before one who knows is not weakness, but strength, for it acknowledges that wisdom is larger than oneself, and that only by receiving can one learn to give.

The lesson for us is clear: do not despise the role of the teacher. Seek them out in every stage of life. They may be professors, elders, mentors, or even the quiet craftsman who has mastered his art through long years of toil. Knowledge flows from those who have tested, practiced, and lived what they teach. Honor them, and in honoring them, you honor the truth itself. For the path to wisdom is not carved in solitude, but in fellowship with those who have walked before you.

And what actions must you take? Find those who know, and sit with them. Ask questions without fear of seeming ignorant. Listen more than you speak. When you have gained, share what you have learned, for in time you too will become the teacher for another. Remember always that every flame you light was once lit by someone else. Let humility guide you, gratitude sustain you, and discipline refine you, so that you may both receive and pass on the fire of wisdom.

Thus let Gurdjieff’s words echo through the ages: “One must learn from him who knows.” This is the law of growth, the chain of wisdom, the inheritance of humanity. To accept guidance is not to lessen yourself, but to prepare to rise higher. In learning from those who know, you become one who may one day guide others, and in this sacred exchange, the light of knowledge never dies.