When Knowledge Is Power

Knowledge is the exclusive preserve of the learned and the wise. They are thus able to use this very effectively for acquiring power for themselves or for helping others stay in power. This is so, for with knowledge comes wisdom, that is the domain of only a few. Lord Tennyson was thus right, when he said, " Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers " .

Not only does knowledge make one wise, but it also makes him more articulate, humane and modest. Thus we find that such people are able to explain their point of view very convincingly and dynamically, thus attracting a huge following. They have the knack of sensing people's nerves and use their oratorial skills to elicit the desired response from them. We have in this class the politicians and leaders of today, who owe their power to this art of knowledge. However, for the people with a literary or religious bent of mind, knowledge makes them modest and humane. They are thus able to rise above the ordinary, being the enlightened class or the intelligentsia to whom the ordinary people look up to. The saints, sages and learned men come in this class, around whom the society revolves. With knowledge comes respect and consequently power. Such people are able to command the respect of the masses and even the government of the day, looks unto them for their advice in solving contentious and tricky issues. It is because of this we find such people occupying positions of power, either in the bureaucracy or in the government.

This has been happening from times immemorial. The Rajas and the Emperors who ruled the country had a group of ministers or countries. It is through them that they wielded their power on their subjects. These people were recognised stalwarts in their respective field. They also had Rajgurus and Purohits, who advised them on religious and other delicate matters of the state. Such people were thus able to wield phenomenal power on the strength of their knowledge.

There is no denying the fact that knowledge is power and this comes from extensive reading, which makes one reason the pros and the cons beforetaking a decision. ' Read not to contradict and confute not to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourage, but to weigh and consider ' said Francis Bacon. It is this aspect of weighing and considering that sets apart a man of knowledge. He is thus able to command power, for his actions are justified and supported with reasoning. There in lies the essence of his power.