Nowadays, almost everyone is interested in acquiring more knowledge. Possessing knowledge seems to provide power and self-confidence and paves the way for success.
There is nothing wrong with knowledge. Knowledge is crucial, as knowledge is the result of human civilization and development, shaping the world every day, both for the better and the worse. Access to knowledge has never been easier than it is today.
I have been contemplating the nuances of this theme.
What is knowledge?
Knowledge is the understanding gained through education, experience, or discovery. It involves the theoretical or practical grasp of a subject and serves as a foundation for developing deeper insights or wisdom.
This definition leads us to two other important concepts: information and wisdom.
So, what is information?
Information is raw data that, when processed and understood, becomes meaningful to the recipient. It forms the basis for knowledge. Information is often presented as facts, figures, or instructions, and while it is crucial, it requires interpretation to be truly valuable.
There is a difference between processing information and making sense of it. For example, artificial intelligence can process vast amounts of information at incredible speeds, but it cannot generate new, personal meaning. Sense-making and meaning require human experience and the understanding of context. Even a simple word like “table” can have many meanings depending on the situation. More abstract concepts like “love” or “freedom” carry even more varied interpretations based on personal experience, culture, and values.
And what is wisdom?
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” — Albert Einstein
Wisdom is the thoughtful application of knowledge shaped by experience and deep understanding. It involves good judgment, recognizing the complexities of situations, and making decisions that consider broader implications. Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is about seeing beyond the immediate and understanding the long-term impact of actions.
Intuition also plays a key role in wisdom by guiding decisions based on deep, often subconscious, understanding from past experiences. It helps us make wise choices even when logic alone isn’t enough.
Wisdom cannot be acquired solely from books or courses. One can be knowledgeable without being wise, and one can be wise without formal education or access to information. The ideal approach is to balance knowledge and wisdom. Critical thinking, reflection, and meaningful conversations can help us transform information into knowledge and, eventually, into wisdom. Wisdom leads to a more profound, more discerning use of the information we possess.
Why Reflect on This?
“Wisdom is the capacity to overcome self-deception so that you can realize what is of deepest significance, and live accordingly.” (John Vervaeke)
In many situations, people strive to be original but often end up simply re-sharing information they’ve heard from others. This can lead to impostor syndrome and low self-confidence because no one can possess all the information or be an unchallengeable expert. The last few decades, especially with the rise of new social and natural sciences, have shown that knowledge is valid within certain paradigms but can easily be discredited in others.
Therefore, while sharing well-researched and validated information is important, sharing wisdom from deep reflection and experience is equally important. After all, wisdom allows us to navigate the complexities of life with understanding and insight.