Great comments. I think it is amazing that St. Augustine had similar observations over 1600 years ago:
For just as that man who knows how to possess a tree, and give thanks
to thee for the use of it—although he may not know how many feet high
it is or how wide it spreads—is better than the man who can measure it
and count all its branches, but neither owns it nor knows or loves its
Creator: just so is a faithful man who possesses the world’s wealth as
though he had nothing, and possesses all things through his union
through thee, whom all things serve, even though he does not know the
circlings of the Great Bear. Just so it is foolish to doubt that this
faithful man may truly be better than the one who can measure the
heavens and number the stars and weigh the elements, but who is
forgetful of thee “who hast set in order all things in number, weight,
and measure.” [132]
From his Confessions, Book 5, Chapter 4.
You are making me realize how unlettered I am, having never read “Confessions”, among other notable works.
Excellent quote! Are you, by chance, a classical scholar?