«The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness»(Proverbs 15:14).
Andrés Bello Lopez was born in Caracas (Venezuela) on November 29, 1781. He was one of the most brilliant minds in the history of Latin American Liberal Humanism. From a very young age he had a remarkable thirst for knowledge. At fifteen he knew Latin so well that he could translate the Eneida. Andrés Bello became a brilliant philologist, poet, translator, philosopher, essay writer, educator, politician and diplomat. His profound ideas germinated in one of his most prominent students, who would become one of the greatest figures in America: Simon Bolivar. Later on he spent a long period of time in London (England) and then in Chile. His complete works take up twenty volumes. To this day his writings about meter are still very current. His contribution and command of the Spanish language led the Royal Spanish Academy to name him an honorary member in 1851. His Grammar of the Spanish Language is a huge contribution to the field of Hispanic letters. Andrés Bello died in Santiago (Chile) in 1865.
What are you feeding your mind with? What kind of information do you provide for it? In the struggle to control the mind nobody can remain neutral. «The mind will never cease to be active. It is open to influences, good or bad. As the human countenance is stamped by the sunbeam on the polished plate of the artist, so are thoughts and impressions stamped on the mind of the child; and whether these impressions are earthly or moral and religious, they are well-nigh ineffaceable. When reason is awakening, the mind is most susceptible, and so the very first lessons are of great importance. These lessons have a powerful influence in the formation of character. If they are of the right stamp, and if, as the child advances in years, they are followed up with patient perseverance, the earthly and the eternal destiny will be shaped for good»—Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 1, ch. 31, p. 293.
Young people who are interested in different areas of knowledge are tremendously useful in God’s hands. Their ideas and suggestions will influence others and help build a better society. That’s why, make good use of your time and approach knowledge in a focused way. Don’t fill your head with vulgar things. Don’t forget your body—including your mind—is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Ask the Lord today to help you feed your mind with edifying influences.