What is Knowledge?
Knowledge is a collection of facts and information acquired through experience or education. It is the understanding of a subject, issue, or concept and the ability to apply that understanding to make informed decisions or judgments. Knowledge can be acquired through various forms of learning, such as reading, observing, listening, or interacting with others. It can also be gained through practical experience or experimentation.
We can get knowledge by studying, researching, or investing in something. Time and space have a significant role in acquiring knowledge. For example, a person teaching science subjects in school for the last twenty years will have more knowledge of science subjects now compared to the early five or ten years of his job. This is because knowledge is the active/passive acquisition of information or facts. Epistemology and knowledge are related in that epistemology studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge.
The role of neurons in acquiring, processing, and storing knowledge is crucial. The brain processes and stores information. Neurons are the rudimentary blocks of the nervous system and are responsible for transmitting and processing information. When we learn something new, our neurons form connections and pathways that enable us to remember and use that information. This process is called neuroplasticity.
What is Wisdom?
Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge, experience, and insight to make good decisions and judgments. It is the capacity to understand complex or difficult concepts and apply that understanding to real-life situations. Wisdom is associated with age and experience and is seen as a valuable attribute that enables individuals to navigate life’s challenges and make the best choices for themselves and others.
Wisdom comes from internal sources – self-intuition, observation, and experience – in such a way that it will affect our behavior and understanding about life — the ability to see the truth without any illusion. Wisdom comes into our culture through our ancestors’ folk sayings or cultural aphorisms. It is also known as irrational. We cannot accumulate wisdom without knowledge. Wisdom is considered into multiple categories like practical wisdom, philosophical wisdom, ethical wisdom, social wisdom, et cetera.
Wisdom is seen as a combination of knowledge, experience, and judgment and is gained through learning from others, reflecting on past experiences, and applying logic and reason to problem-solving. Wisdom is seen as a product of both nature and nurture, with some individuals being born with a natural inclination towards wisdom and others developing it through life experiences and learning.
Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom
- Knowledge is objective in its scope, i.e., it comes from the outside, whereas wisdom is subjective in its scope, i.e., it comes from the inside.
- Knowledge is focused on specific subjects or topics, while wisdom is broader and more holistic in nature.
- Knowledge enables a person to identify whether facts are actual, whereas wisdom helps one to think about whether that idea is right or wrong.
- Knowledge is based on facts and information, whereas wisdom is a more refined form of multifaceted knowledge.
- Knowledge is gained through external sources, whereas wisdom is gained through internal sources.
Comparison Between Knowledge and Wisdom
| Parameters of Comparison | Knowledge | Wisdom |
| Reach/Scope | Objective | Subjective |
| Acquisition | Facts & Information | Experience & Judgement |
| Approach | Theoretical/Methodological | Intuitional/Spiritual |
| Results | Awareness of the World | Insight into the World |
| Process | Externally Acquired | Internally Produced |