Two Types of Knowledge

Every day we are bombarded with new information, new technologies, and new and improved products, all representing new knowledge. But in fact, where we are today, technologically, is comparable to where the aviation industry was in 1950. We ain't seen nothin' yet. I like the statement from author Warren Bennis: "The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment." Again we must unlearn as much as we learn. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to learn how to learn.

My theory is that there are two types of knowledge: core knowledge and peripheral knowledge. During our lifetime, we acquire core knowledge (math, science, language skills) which remains constant throughout the centuries (eg., 2 + 2 = 4, and will never change). Peripheral knowledge is the stuff we learn that reflects current technologies and current philosophies. Peripheral knowledge is perishable; it comes and goes. We appreciate that it may very well be obsolete in ten years. Newly acquired peripheral knowledge should come with a "best before" date stamped on it: "For best freshness, utilize this knowledge before the year 2010." Just as we clean out our refrigerators, we need to purge our minds once in a while. An example of peripheral knowledge is keyboarding, a skill currently taught in high schools. Keyboarding is a classic example of peripheral knowledge that is already becoming obsolete. Keyboards are being replaced with voice recognition and voice-activated computers already on the market. Many products we enjoy today are vulnerable to technological obsolescence as the lifespan of products continues to shrink at an alarming rate.

A combination of core knowledge and peripheral knowledge is the key to personal and corporate survival. As I mentioned earlier, the competitive arena demands acquisition of knowledge, and constant investment in career development. We must continually search for any intellectual advantage available. The acquisition of new knowledge fuels self-esteem. However, I caution you, knowing is different than applied knowledge. In Napoleon Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich, he makes a good point: "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." One of my national accounts, Dun & Bradstreet, has a great expression: "Knowledge allows you to play, applied knowledge allows you to win."

Stay in school by becoming a lifelong student of your profession. Unquestionably, knowledge is the currency of the future, and today's world takes little pity on those who remain lazy about learning. Lifelong learning is a form of personal insurance. Protect your future.