Here's a question: Joe wanted to know the truth because he was an academic and south to learn as much as possible.  He would do anything in pursuit of what?

Here are possible answers to this question:
- work to advantage
- matter to
- further knowledge
- free mind
- finding the way

I believe the correct choice is "further knowledge", here's why:


an academic is required to do a lot of research and study which in turn, furthers their knowledge.