KNOWLEDGE IS A REQUIREMENT FOR – BUT NOT A GUARANTEE OF – WISDOM, SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS

We are told from an early age that knowledge is the key to success.  If we learn we will achieve.  If we set our sights high when establishing our goals and objectives – and work hard to equip ourselves with the knowledge to accomplish our goals – great things will happen.  For most, the sky has been painted as “the limit” to success.  In front of each of us lies an endless continuum of possibilities – IF we pay attention in school, learn what is presented and “never stop learning” throughout life.  Knowledge alone, however, is NOT the key that will open all doors so why do people work so hard to absorb it?  A wise question that has many answers.

Wisdom is said to be the application of knowledge.  Knowing facts, details or information does not make one a leader, respected, successful OR a friend.  Individuals chosen to participate on the TV gameshow Jeopardy demonstrate a vast knowledge base – an unending ability to recall what many would consider useless facts and an astounding grasp of history, trivia and culture – BUT do often do nothing to demonstrate any more success outside of this knowledge-based world than anyone else.  Many intelligent individuals possessing all the “book knowledge” available to them lack the common sense and practical experience to make good decisions or know which way to turn when given unguided choices.  The application of knowledge through wise choices, decisions and actions that anticipate consequences (both planned and unintended) is what defines success, demands respect and demonstrates the attainment of wisdom – particularly if one does not care who gets the credit for the results that are achieved.  Knowledge allows us to think about issues, topics and challenges from many different (but previously defined) perspectives.  Wisdom – the application of knowledge – allows us to succeed by putting what we have learned and know into action.

Some individuals learn through reading books.  Others are more experiential in their learning as they best understand through listening or doing.  While we need educated teachers, engineers, doctors, managers and other professionals to study, practice and learn so they can lead, teach and create, others can make a difference by applying the knowledge they attain through experience to situations that do not require a formal education.  Trade schools provide knowledge that can be applied within technical careers (manufacturing, tool and die, machinists, carpenters, mechanics and a plethora of other significant occupations that contribute greatly to society).  Certificate programs can focus learning to a narrow slice of knowledge that can be directly applied to a defined situation or a specific career.  Though our grade schools, high schools and places of higher education equip us with information that is vital and necessary to survive in this world, we must continually stretch our knowledge base throughout life so we can accept new challenges by applying our knowledge wisely to eliminate roadblocks or the expand our responsibilities.  We seek the seeds of prosperity when we learn but, when we apply our knowledge wisely, we can see it grow into endless fields of opportunity.

Many have been told that “seeing” or “knowing” is believing when it comes to understanding or accepting a resolution that has been enacted.  Knowledge is nothing until it is linked to action, responsibility, accountability and focused follow-through.  We can know much without making a difference unless (and until) we act on our knowledge by putting it into action.  We can know much without making a difference unless we take responsibility for our actions – learn from our mistakes – then move on to accomplish our next objective.  We can know much without making a difference until we act on our beliefs, assumptions and thoughts so that something can be moved forward rather than being allowed to stagnate. 

We should seek knowledge but strive for ways to apply what we learn to better ourselves and those around us.  We should establish goals and seek to accomplish them but understand success is not simply the fulfillment of a stated objective having no purpose or meaning.  Success is not measured by what we have or what we do but rather by what we can accomplish with the gifts we are given and how we can apply the knowledge we attain – how we are able to impact, influence or enlighten others as we demonstrate wisdom through the application of all we know and all we have experienced.  It is not elevating, enabling or providing for others that makes a difference – it is fulfilling our own potential as we vacate a “station” in life which another can fill IF they, too, wisely apply their knowledge.

Nothing changes until something that has always been becomes something different.  When we seek to attain knowledge, it should be purposeful – with all learning directed towards the accomplishment of an objective or the realization of a dream.  Knowing for the sake of knowing may allow us to win the game of Jeopardy but applying what we know to the accomplishment of everyday problems, issues and situation will provide us a much better opportunity to win the game of life.