Knowledge is power? Really?
Knowledge is power. Or so the saying goes.
But is it really?
If we look to the dictionary we will find power defined as: “ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.” This is one among many similar definitions, all of which essentially put power as The Ability To Effect Change.
So the real question is: Does knowledge equal the ability to effect change? I would propose that the answer to this is “no.”
Let’s use Einstein as an example. Clearly a smart guy to say the least, and absolutely powerful as determined by his ability to effect change. But was it knowledge alone that allowed him to be so effective in changing our world? To explore this let’s ask: What if Einstein had kept his knowledge to himself? What if no one heard his message? What if he had died alone, unheard, and brilliant? He would not have changed the world.
As such, I put forth that Knowledge, plus the ability to have your message heard, is power.
The good news? Now, more than ever in history you can be heard. Twitter, Blogs, Podcasts, the web, email, not to mention rapid transit. You can be heard.
So… who is hearing you?