Age after age the curiosity of men has led them to seek for the tree of knowledge, and often they think they are plucking fruit most essential, when in reality it is vanity and nothingness in comparison with that science of true holiness which would open to them the gates of the city of God. Human ambition seeks for knowledge that will bring to them glory, and self-exaltation, and supremacy. Thus Adam and Eve were influenced by Satan until God’s restraint was snapped asunder, and their education under the teacher of lies began. They gained the knowledge which God had refused them—to know the consequences of transgression. {CT 12.1}

Tidsalder efter tidsalder har menneskenes videbegærlighed ledt dem til at lede efter kundskabens træ, og de tror ofte at de plukker de vigtigste frugter, skønt det i virkeligheden er tomhed og intethed i sammenligning med videnskaben om sand hellighed, som vil åbne portene for dem til Guds stad.