Knowledge and Power

“Knowledge is power.” I think that quote has been attributed to both Thomas Jefferson and Sir Francis Bacon, and both guys had plenty of it. It was also the theme of a public service message when I was kid, encouraging children to read more often.

I agree with the sentiment: knowledge is certainly important. But is knowledge alone power? Or is it like a lightbulb, requiring a separate power source in order to be effective? Or maybe even like an engine, capable of producing power, but still requiring ignition of some sort before that force can be generated?

In that sense, knowledge would be potential. It might hold powerful possibilities, but still depends on an outside energy source to be unleashed.

Knowledge alone is just latent potential. It is possibility waiting for a spark, for activation. Knowledge thirsts for action. But knowledge teamed with appropriate action, that is a powerful force indeed.

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