Main Difference – Knowledge vs Wisdom
Knowledge and Wisdom are two qualities we aspire to gain in life. Although knowledge and wisdom are interrelated concepts, there is a marked difference between them. The main difference between knowledge and wisdom is that knowledge is the facts, information, and skills acquired through learning or education whereas wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Wisdom also refers to the sensible application of knowledge.
What is Knowledge
Knowledge refers to facts, information, and skills acquired through learning and education. Knowing and understanding a specific subject and, being aware of certain ideas, subjects can be defined as knowledge. We acquire knowledge through learning, education, and training. Knowledge can refer to both theoretical and practical aspects of a subject. For example, when we learn a language, we learn new facts, information about that language; we also acquire skills through language learning. The end result of this learning process is acquiring new knowledge.
Knowledge about specific subjects, topics are essential in everyday life. For example, you have to have certain knowledge about traffic rules even if you are walking on the road. We all know that we should wait for the green light before crossing the road. But how did we acquire knowledge? Different people acquire it through different methods; some might have learned it by observation whereas as some others might have been taught it.
Wisdom – Meaning and Usage
Wisdom is the ability to recognize or judge what is true, right, or lasting. Wisdom consists of knowledge, experience, and good judgment. A person cannot have wisdom without having knowledge, but being knowledgeable about something does not necessarily indicate wisdom.
Wisdom can also refer to the application of the knowledge you have. For example, you may know how to use a weapon, but wisdom is knowing when to use it. Wisdom cannot be simply acquired through learning or education; one needs experience as well as sound judgment to gain wisdom.
The following quotes will help you to understand the difference between knowledge and wisdom better.
“Knowledge without application is simply knowledge. Applying the knowledge to one’s life is wisdom – and that is the ultimate virtue.” Kasi Kaye Ilipoulos
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein
“Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.” – Lord Tennyson
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”– Miles Kington
Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom
Definition
Knowledge is composed of facts, information, and skills.
Wisdom is composed of knowledge, experience, and good judgment.
Truth and False vs Right and Wrong
Knowledge gives you the ability to identify whether some fact is true or false.
Wisdom gives you the ability to discern whether some idea is right or wrong.
Interrelation
Knowledge is the acquisition of information and facts.
Wisdom is the application of the acquired knowledge.
Acquisition
Knowledge can be simply acquired through education.
Wisdom cannot be simply acquired through learning.
Image Courtesy: Pixbay
