Knowledge was next in line to see the King. He had arrived on time to keep this all-important appointment. At the appointed time, he was received by His Majesty. Knowledge thanked King Almighty effusively for his kindness and patience in allowing him to appear before the feared potentate.
After all the pleasantries, His Majesty immediately took the powerfully-built pretender to task. He wanted to hear from him why he did not consider it particularly dangerous to assume control in place of the King's representatives. The King informed him that he was reported to have made it virtually impossible for the royal emissaries to implement the mandate they were given by His Majesty.
Like the other gods who came before him, this was the issue that Knowledge had to address to the King's satisfaction. This was necessary if he really wanted to be left off the hook. Knowledge seemed ready to make his case before the great Ruler.
The god responded thus:
'Most worthy King, I am not unaware that His Majesty is not pleased with the situation in the kingdom outpost. I also know that it was being suggested that I contributed in no small way to the decadence. It was actually widely touted that I egged on your representatives in their sad adventure.
'Ruler of all climes, it is simply not true that I played a part in creating the problems that arose in Terrestrial as His Majesty will soon see. First and foremost, Your Majesty, how could I have worked against you when I very well know that you are the fountain from whom I flowed.
'Most respectable King, there is a saying that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. In most cases, what a person knows usually determines how that person acts or how he or she behaves and responds to situations. I am the facts and figures about a situation or about any other thing for that matter. This simply means that I am a body of relevant information, no more no less. With me kings rule, leaders lead and managers manage. With me, light is shed on tricky situations; with me, victories are attained; with me, causes are advanced; and certainly with me, goals can be achieved.
Knowledge went on,
'I can be obtained by anyone but at a cost. Anyone who is ready to pay the price can possess me. I see myself as a mere tool to be used to achieve results. It is no longer a secret that I am needed in all situations where issues need to be resolved. Despite all these, O King, one can only have a part of me. You are the only repository of all knowledge.
Although, I am capable of filling anyone that possesses me with pride and dignity, using me to achieve something tangible is another thing entirely.
'Without me, there is no doubt that there can hardly be any progress or advancement in any area of your representatives' endeavours. However, even though it is generally believed that knowledge is power, the real impact of that power can only be felt if I am appropriately used. I am almost valueless if I am not used, especially positively. On another dimension, I can be dangerous if I am possessed by someone who has cynical intentions or who is bent on using me for selfish ends.
'Your Majesty, it happened that many of your emissaries no longer looked beyond acquiring me. Surprisingly, for reasons best known to them, they gradually came to the conclusion that the glory lies only in merely acquiring me. Often, it was on this flawed premise that they based their inglorious boasts. Thereafter, your representatives began to see me purely as an end in myself and they decided to make me a god. They thought it was in their own interest to do this. They did this out of their own volition and not at my request. There was no way I could have asked them to turn against you.
'I strindently protested that I am not to be worshipped but all my protestations fell on deaf ears. Not surprisingly, as god I failed to live up to their expectations.'
The King had listened with great interest as Knowledge spoke. This gentle giant of a god had touched on some vital points.
As a follow up, the King asked Knowledge,
'Would anyone want to go through the expensive process of obtaining you without the intention of deploying you for positive ends?'
'Yes, Your Majesty,' replied Knowledge, his laser-like eyes gleaming with renewed hope.
'There have been proven cases of those who believed that by merely acquiring me, they are proving a point. Once they have an iota of me, they become puffed-up. These would go to any length to obtain me just for the sake of it.'
Knowledge had now stated the facts as best as he could and was hoping that what he said would be sufficient to save him from the wrath of the King.
After a long pause, His Majesty, having consulted with some of the officials who were with him, cleared his throat and said,
'Gentleman, I have carefully considered what you had to say, thank you. Nevertheless, if the need arises, you may be recalled. For now, you are free to leave.'
Knowledge was then led out of the King's presence and into the night.
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