I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of learning about new topics. The act of gaining knowledge brings me a deep sense of fulfilment, and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. As part of this process, I’ve developed a near-compulsive habit of taking notes on everything I learn. It not only serves as a future reference, but it also helps me grasp concepts more thoroughly.
Over the last 15+ years, I have written down 3000+ detailed notes about a wide variety of topics ranging from programming and stock markets to neuroscience to world history. When I look at my notes now, it feels like I have accumulated a lot of information but I also realize that I have not put any active effort to apply much of it in meaningful ways in my life.
This reflection has led me to understanding the difference between knowledge and wisdom. We often use the terms “knowledge” and “wisdom” interchangeably but they represent two very different things. Here’s how I define them:
- Knowledge is the information gained through learning and experience.
- Wisdom is the application of knowledge to make better decisions in life.
A person might be full of knowledge and able to recite facts, quote studies, or solve complex problems but still lack the wisdom to make simple, practical decisions.
Knowledge is theoretical and wisdom is practical.
Let me explain it with a few examples. A knowledgeable food scientist might know in detail about the right conditions for plant growth, but it is the wise farmer who knows when to sough the seeds to avoid a bad season.
Similarly, a medical intern might posses the knowledge of all the latest treatments and technologies but he might freeze to act in a critical situation. It is the wise doctor who can quickly make the right call is such situations based on her years of hands-on experience.
Great leaders are wise
Having read a lot about great leaders, I have realized one thing: all of they are all wise. They might not be knowledgeable but they are certainly wise. They might not have the best of knowledge or the latest information about specific topics but what they do have is the ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways to achieve their goals.
This is the reason a junior software developer might think their CEO is out of touch because the CEO doesn’t fully grasp the technical framework behind the product. However, the CEO’s job isn’t to gain knowledge about the technology but to wisely position the product to give the company a competitive advantage in the market. Knowledge can be neatly packaged into presentations, but wisdom shows up in the quality of decisions made.
In short, leadership requires wisdom. Knowledge can always be acquired or borrowed from elsewhere, but wisdom is the key to using that knowledge towards success.
Conclusion
Moving forward, I’ve decided to focus more on practicing wisdom rather than simply accumulating more knowledge. My hope is that this shift will help me grow as a person and lead to a more fulfilling life by putting wisdom into action.
Some quotes that I like:
- Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens.
- Knowledge comes from learning, wisdom comes from living.
- Knowledge gives answers, wisdom asks questions.
- Knowledge is a point of view, wisdom is a viewing point.
- Knowledge is knowing what to say, wisdom is knowing when to say.
And the most common one: Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad!