TOM: Does what you know affect how you act?

B:       If you know you are to die, at some unknown point in the future, do you live your life in concordance to this known fact? It can be argued both ways.
 

           A drug addict KNOWS the facts, but this (typically) has no impact towards their behaviour. It can be said that they are "controlled" by the drug. The drug gains a lasting influence on one's life more so than death (drug addicts rarely fear death...not to say that's necessarily bad). They know and accept death for what it is. Not in the 'enlightened' sense, but they carry not fear for the end. So, therefore, what they know has little-to-no effect on how they act.
 

          However, a cancer patient may or may not change their behaviour based on the knowledge of their condition. One with terminal illness knows death is upon them (barring the success of treatment) and yet they have the choice (not sure if this is the right word for the job but it'll do for now) to let this knowledge affect their actions, behaviour, mood, etc. Some choose to wither away with the illness and lose their desire and passion for life. But, others choose to celebrate life in spite of this knowledge. You hear of 'miracle' recoveries (I'm using the term 'miracle' in the loosest sense) in certain instances. PKD, in VALIS, lightly touches on this matter. That if you will yourself to LIFE then life is granted to you, but if you lose that will....well, you can deduce the rest.
        Basically, my point is this, you have a CHOICE in the matter. What you know can plague your life or you can overcome it. Be a master of what you know. Do not let it master you. Is this not what the ancient mysteries taught? To be 'enlightened' one is not to be controlled by the knowledge one has gained, but to be the controller of said knowledge. 

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Thoughts anyone?