Gorean society is divided into High and Low Castes. An important difference in this division revolves around the type of education that each group receives. This educational disparity is known as the Double Knowledge, separated into the First and Second Knowledges. The Low Castes are taught the First Knowledge while the High Castes are educated in the Second Knowledge. The First Knowledge includes of a series of falsehoods and deceptions, actively encouraged by the High Castes. The Second Knowledge speaks the truths that are kept from the Low Castes though even the High Castes do not know all the truths of Gor. In addition, even some of the High Castes, who should know better, cling to some of the beliefs of the First Knowledge.
The First Knowledge conceals the existence of certain matters from the Low Castes. They are taught that Gor is a broad, flat disk and not an orb. They are also taught that Gor does not move through space, that no other planets exist and that Earth is a myth. Thus, they believe that everything on Gor had a Gorean origin and that nothing came from Earth. Some do believe that Earth exists but they accept it as being a country far away from the rest of Gor. The Low Castes are also encouraged to believe that magic is real and that Initiates, wizards and sorcerers can possess incredible powers. They are even taught that if a Low Caste person should ever become the ruler of a Gorean city, then tragic results will result. This belief is one of the reasons many opposed Pa-Kur, the Master Assassin, when he tried to conquer Ar. It was considered that he was overextending his proper reach by being a Low Caste but seeking to become a ruler. The city of Tharna though has ignored this proscription as Kron, a Metal Worker, eventually becomes the Administrator once Lara abdicates.
The First Knowledge is purposefully intended to keep the Low Castes in their place. The High Castes do not want the Low Castes to seek higher positions. They wish to maintain control over them. The First Knowledge contains many lies but these lies are acceptable to the High Castes. But, the High Castes also do not actively try to conceal the truths of the Second Knowledge. The libraries of Gor often contain all of the information of the Second Knowledge. As such libraries are open to all castes, both High and Low, then a literate and determined Low Caste person has the opportunity to learn the truth. This follows the Gorean principles that ability helps to determine one's place on Gor and that one can raise their Caste and knowledge by actively pursuing such a path.
The Second Knowledge corrects many of the lies from the First Knowledge but not all High Caste persons apparently receive the same education. Some High Caste persons cling to some of the beliefs of the First Knowledge, especially where they concern the efficacy of magic. Some may not even accept the reality of Earth. Thus, the simply fact that one belongs to a High Caste does not automatically mean that one is free of the beliefs of the First Knowledge.
