Having knowledge is essential in everyday life. In the case of Marcus Sedgwick’s novel Revolver, having knowledge drove the characters’ actions, and ultimately saved their lives. This importance of wisdom is also evident in the article “The Age of Enlightenment,” which discusses the history of humans learning more about our existence and the world in general. Although the Age of Enlightenment occurred many years ago, it has a lasting effect on today’s society and is still prevalent in current news. The theme of the necessity of having wisdom is present in Revolver and is also seen in the mindset of the Enlightenment thinkers.
Knowledge is always important to have, in any situation. It was paramount for Sig to have knowledge, especially of guns, during his experience with Wolff. He learned this view from his father, when Einar passed on his personal wisdom to Sig on their sacred Wash Days. After Einar’s death, Sig “was reminded of his father, who would always say, ‘Know what you can. Know everything you can know’” (Sedgwick 17). Einar’s advice to Sig proved true when a piece of knowledge Einar had shared with him saved …show more content…
This is what Einar tries to teach his son; he does not give him books to read, but experiences from which to learn. He describes the inner workings of the revolver and allows Sig and his sister Anna to practice shooting once in order to know the proper technique. Sedgwick acknowledges, “Einar had taken them out to the back of the cabin, by the woods, and let them each fire one shot, so that they knew how.” Einar wanted his children to learn through experience. This sentiment is similar to that of John Locke, a key contributor to the Enlightenment. The article asserts Locke “...argued that knowledge was gained through experience and the senses rather than by thinking in an empty room” (“Enlightenment”). Einar and the Enlightenment thinkers understood the importance of always possessing