Above Photo: Titian, Adam and Eve, c. 1550. Madrid, Prado. Below, Rubens, Adam and Eve, 1628-29. Madrid, Prado.

The below exceprt from “Think And Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill discusses the concept of knowledge as power, stressing the point that knowledge by itself is like potential energy. Until put to use to achieve a definite end it just sits in store. While you sit there within you lies the potential to be rich; but until that potential to be rich is turned into tangible wealth, it remains nothing but potential.

From “Think And Grow Rich”

There are two kinds of Knowledge. One is general, the other is specialized. General knowledge, no matter how great in quantity or variety it may be, is of but little use in the accumulation of money. The faculties of the great universities possess, in the aggregate, practically every form of general knowledge know to civilization. Most of the professors have but little moneuy. They specialize on teaching knowledge, but they do not specilize on the organization, or the use of knowledge.

Knowledge will not attract money, unless it is organized and intelligently directed, through practical plans of action, to the definite end of accumulation of money. Lack of unerstanding of this fact has been the source of confusion to millions of people who falsely believe that “knowledge is power”. It is nothing of the sort! Knowledge is only potential power. it becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end.

This “missing link” in all systems of education may be found in the failure of educational institutions to teach their students how to organize and use knowledge after they acquire it.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that, because Henry Ford had but little “schooling” he was not a man of “education”. Those who make this mistake do not understand the real meaning of the word “educate”. That word is derived from the Latin word “educo” meaning to deuce, to draw out, to develop from within.

An educated man is not, necessarily, one who has an abundance of general or specialized knowledge. An educated man is one who has so developed the faculties of his mind that he may acquire anything he wants, or its equivalent, without violating the rights of others.