The more you share your knowledge, the more you shine

Knowledge and wisdom are like twins in that there is a very thin divide between the two. True, it is knowledge that can impart wisdom, but we must remember that wisdom to sift knowledge is equally important to lead a meaningful life. Knowledge gives you awareness but wisdom gives you liberation from complications that can dog your life.

The other day, while on a train journey, I enjoyed reading Abdul Kalam’s The Righteous Life. It tells us that a righteous life built on the edifice of knowledge can give us a purposeful life that everyone must aspire to. Kalam quotes the Tamil classic Thirukkural: “Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction. It is an inner fortress which enemies can’t destroy.”

If I were to define wisdom, I would say it is a 24-carat tool that is made of knowledge. That means, the deeper the knowledge, the greater the wisdom. Therefore, it is important that one cultivates the right kind of knowledge in order to acquire the required wisdom to tackle the difficulties in one’s journey of life.

We were told throughout our childhood to remember that there is no wealth greater than knowledge and that knowledge is the only wealth that does not decrease when you share it with others. The more you share your knowledge, the more you shine, and wisdom becomes a rich depository within you.

True, knowledge in itself has nothing to do with power or wisdom. Its power comes out when you use it for the benefit of people. That is why I would say knowledge needs to be used in a manner that it makes others realise the way to forge ahead in life. And to recall what the Buddha said, “There is no poverty worse than ignorance.”