If we look at things historically, some of the most spiritually powerful people couldn't read a lick, but they could travel between worlds, heal, perform the apparently impossible, etc. Sometimes the true essence of a thing is lost when it is put into print & is separated from its source. Look at the Druids & many of the medicine people from the cultures around the world; they outright refused to put their wisdom into print for fear that it would defile it. There might be something to that after all, you never know.
Don''t get me wrong, I am not of that school myself; for those who have lacked teachers over the years like myself, books have been some of my only sources of information & guideposts to help me advance my path. I will say though that two of the people that helped me most along my path both spiritually & materially were, while both literate, not scholars by any stretch of the imagination.
My grandfather was a gas utility man all his life, but taught me the value system & work ethic I still hold close to my heart (with some modifications notwithstanding). The other was my father in law who, as a Northern Cree medicine man, opened up many worlds for me & helped me to find the direction I needed spiritually. To look at him, you'd never guess what he was. He is a landscaper on his sister's campground where he also lives with his wife. They live a simple life with few extravagances, but are very happy doing what they do.
There is something to be said for both book smarts & street smarts, & we definitely find our way smack in the middle.
Awesome article, Madame X; you hit the nail right on the head.