LOWER VS. HIGHER KNOWLEDGE

A distinction is made in Vedanta between lower knowledge and higher knowledge.  The knowledge of the scriptures is considered lower knowledge; intellectual knowledge is lower knowledge. 
 
Higher knowledge is the direct experience and knowledge of Brahman.  To know Brahman is to know yourself, which is the Atman.

Reflected here is Vivekananda’s modernized interpretation of Advaita Vedanta which emphasizes anubhava ("personal experience") over knowledge of the scriptures.