Knowledge vs. Wisdom

A few years back I heard the expression, "Book smart but sidewalk stupid." It was a reference to how some people are well versed in the subjects we're told to value in school, but lack a deeper understanding of people.

Of course, both types of smarts are important for navigating through a modern society but some kinds of intellect are valued more than others. We see it in how certain occupations are regarded and how those how devote themselves to those lines of work are compensated. Value is often linked to the marketplace.

But there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. The two are far from binary. In fact, one often comes at the cost of the other. 

While the knowledgeable person knows a great deal about a great deal the wise one knows what he doesn't know.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this article, sign up for my bi-monthly newsletter with my favorite book, film, and travel recommendations in addition to my latest articles on productivity and inspiration.

Plus, I’d love to share my free Creativity Day Planner — a simple two -page template on building good daily habits.

Only Quality People

World renown motivational speaker and author Les Brown has a term he likes to use when describing the folks he surrounds himself with -- Only Quality People or O.Q.T 

He understands the power of associations and credits much of his success to hanging around people who inspire him rather than bring him down.

There is actually data to support the value of associating with like-minded people who have your back, support your vision, challenge, inspire, and bring out your greatest potential. 

You will make within $2,000 - $3,000 of the people you're closest too. If you associate with people who don't take care of themselves and are overweight your chances of falling into the same patterns increase by 57 %.

Also, if you write down your goals you're 39% more likely to accomplish them but if you have an accountability partner who holds your feet to the fire that number jumps to nearly 75%.

Who we hang around matters. If you want to be great get around people who are at a level you want to be. Find a coach, mentor, or someone that knows something you don't. 

Simply clinging to people who are versed in different variants of skills and knowledge you already possess is not enough.

Information is Not Wisdom

There's a big difference between information and wisdom. We live in a time where the amount of content available at our fingertips is seemingly infinite. 

The key is what we do with that information. And just as information does not equate to wisdom, knowledge does not necessarily imply growth. 

It all comes down to focus and implementation of the lessons we learn and then measuring its effectiveness.

Not Enough to Just Know

There's a famous adage that goes, "Knowledge is power." The more I think about it, I believe knowledge is only potential power. It should lead to more than wisdom, but to action.

For years I read, listened to, or watched any resource I could get my hands on to improve my craftsmanship as an actor and my overall productivity. 

Gradual improvements occurred only when I implemented what I learned rather than tucked it away as merely theory.

If you want to get to the next level of whatever your creative endeavors may be, it's not enough to know. You've got to apply it.