It is work that counts, the work they do on their will, capacity to translate their knowledge into harmonious conduct that benefits everyone

In theory, human beings are extraordinarily erudite, but in practice, what do they do? They know that with patience there is a better chance of achieving lasting results, but they are not patient. They know there is a better chance of success with calmness than with violence, but they always get angry. They know, they know ... but they remain weak, vulnerable, sickly and unhappy. In the Teaching of the Universal White Brotherhood disciples learn that knowledge is valuable only if it is applied to life. It is work that counts, the work they do on their will, their capacity to translate their knowledge into harmonious conduct that benefits everyone. In ordinary schools the only knowledge that is valued is that acquired from books. Even if a student is showing worrying signs for the future, it is of no importance; he has written a good paper and so he qualifies, he walks away with a certificate in hand. An initiate on the other hand does not look at how you expound your knowledge but how you apply it. And if he believes you are applying it insufficiently, wrongly or criminally, he does not let you qualify. He may even in some cases refuse you admission to his school.