“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” ― Charles Spurgeon

While wisdom and knowledge are often associated with each other, Charles Spurgeon’s words remind us that there are important differences between the two. Knowledge is the accumulation of information through observation and study, whereas wisdom is acquired through experience and reflection. It’s not just about what we know, but about understanding how and when to apply that knowledge to achieve greater success or more positive outcomes. 

This distinction is perhaps best summarised by the following quote: “Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it.” 

Acquiring knowledge is relatively simple, but developing wisdom requires a deeper understanding of a topic and the ability to recognise what information is relevant to a given situation. The internet provides us with immediate access to vast amounts of information, but without wisdom and experience it can be difficult to understand how to use that knowledge effectively.

At Shocklogic we believe it’s important to always consider how best to complete a task with the knowledge and skills we have available. By taking the time to really consider a task’s purpose, we can make better decisions and achieve more successful outcomes. We also believe in stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things, as this helps us gain valuable insights and experience that we can apply in practical and relevant ways.

However, experience alone is not enough to develop wisdom. We must also be willing to reflect on our mistakes and think about how we can improve. Wisdom is not something that can be taught, but must be earned through experience and reflection. As the saying goes, “knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.”