Knowledge – Our Greatest Asset

Knowledge refers to facts, information, and skills that are acquired by an individual with the help of education or experience. It may also be referred to as the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. Knowledge is our greatest asset- the most valuable asset that one can acquire in life. Knowledge and educational qualifications are two absolutely different parameters.

Rapid innovation and development have made knowledge a priceless currency that can open up a world of opportunities. It is the basis from which we construct our knowledge, decide with knowledge, and negotiate the complexity of contemporary living. Still, knowing something is not enough; what really unlocks its potential is how we use and apply it. Here we examine fifteen effective strategies for using knowledge as a life-changing resource.

The quest of knowledge is a lifetime endeavour, hence adopting an attitude of ongoing learning is crucial. As per a 2021 Pew Research study, 73% of adults believe they are lifelong learners and understand the value of always broadening their perspectives. Either by reading, enrolling in classes, going to seminars, or going back to school, actively looking for new knowledge and abilities can lead to both career and personal development.

One person may have multiple degrees but if he/ she fails to acquire the appropriate knowledge, all the degrees and certificates are a total waste. Let us understand this with the help of an example: Once a very expensive ship broke down due to some major technical defect. The manager called up the best technicians in town in order to fix the ship, but none of them succeeded at fixing the ship.

What is your greatest asset as a student?

Fortunately, a small roadside mechanic was passing from that area, and he overheard the conversation of the manager with the technicians. He quickly approached the manager and informed him that he can fix the issue in a short duration of 10 minutes only. The manager agreed and asked him to start the repair. The mechanic picked up his hammer and tapped twice at a particular part of the ship. He then informed the manager that the ship has been fixed. The manager was shocked at the accuracy of the road side mechanic and thanked him endlessly. The mechanic presented an invoice for $10,000 to the manager. The manager got irritated and said that the entire mechanic had done was make two tiny taps with his hammer. The mechanic smiled and said: “Yes Sir, the taps were only for $1.00 each but the knowledge to know where to tap costs $9,998.00.” The manager got extremely impressed by his reply and paid the complete money to him. In this story, the mechanic got paid what he asked for only because of his knowledge. This shows that the basic driving force behind each and every action is our knowledge. The more knowledgeable we are, the more confidently we are able to tackle situations. Indeed, flying an aircraft or cracking CAT, everything requires knowledge. Life is very uncertain, indeed one can earn lots of money and buy expensive things in life but no one can ever buy knowledge. Knowledge is such an asset that is priceless. Indeed knowledge is the only asset that no one can ever snatch from us. It is so because knowledge improves us in numerous ways such as:

Knowledge Is The Biggest Asset You Can Accumulate

Throughout our lifetime we crave luxuries and run after pricey things. We often forget to understand that knowledge is our greatest asset. It is that possession that no one can ever snatch from us no matter what. Also, knowledge increases through sharing. We should share knowledge as much as possible. Through discussions and effective listening, our knowledge shall become manifold. 

(a) Builds confidence: Knowledge fills you with confidence to speak. A person who is knowledgeable can talk and deliberate on whichever topic and issue that he wishes to.

(b) Improves communication skills: For acquiring knowledge it is important to read more, observe more and ask more questions, indulge in research reading, discovering new facts and figures each and every day, making notes of all the things you learn. Once you learn something new, discussing it with people makes those little things stay in your head and once that is done, one can speak and talk intelligently automatically. This way you become an because the informed person.

(c) Knowledge and experience go hand in hand: Having knowledge about various areas is important not only for doing peculiar tasks but also for sustaining because without the knowledge about how to operate various objects or situations in daily course, all your educational qualifications are a waste. When companies and organizations wish to hire for positions, they look for both the educational qualifications and the experience that applicants possess. Society often rests so much esteem on attaining an educational qualification/ degree that the need for experience is often over shadowed. Hence, one must make sure when they are in the process of learning, they do get the experience of modes operandi.

(d) Knowledge fills us with authority: and helps us to act and interact with others in an immensely moral way. True knowledge calls for more respect than mere empty authority within a hierarchy fails to gather. If we possess knowledge, we can direct others’ decisions and help them in order to enhance their lives. Having knowledge about a relevant subject fills us with authority.  We become confident naturally. No matter who we are, or how old we are, if we possess knowledge that is helpful to other people, then those people will definitely respect us.

(e) Overcome challenges: A student who is skillful in study techniques will definitely know how readily homework/assignments do and prepare for a test. A skilled student can often overcome a lack of knowledge through his or her studying ability.

(f) Enhances our personality: A knowledgeable person is confident and can talk and deliberate on any subject that he wants to. When he involves himself in public speaking, he attracts the attention of all. Everyone praises him for his charming personality. This makes people associate with him in a better way.

(g) Makes us fearless: Knowledge truly makes us fearless. We are sure of our own selves and we do not feel inferior to others.

Critical Thinking: When knowledge is combined with the capacity to critically examine material, challenge presumptions, form well-informed judgements- it becomes most compelling. For jobs requiring the ability to distinguish fact from fiction and assess evidence, such as law, journalism, and scientific research, strong critical thinking abilities are essential.

Problem-Solving: In today's quickly changing world, complex challenges develop in all sectors of life.  Using your expertise, you can see creative fixes that others might miss. Companies like IDEO have mastered this strategy of using "deep dives" and a lot of research to fully comprehend a problem before coming up with solutions,

Making Decisions: By weighing pertinent information, facts, and viewpoints, knowledge enables us to make better decisions. McKinsey research underscored the need of making decisions based on thorough knowledge by showing that data-driven companies are 23 times more likely to attract clients.

Flexibility: Knowledge has to change as our perspective of the world does. It's important to welcome flexibility and to be receptive to fresh concepts. The success of Apple is evidence of this idea; the firm skillfully moved from computers to mobile devices, multimedia, and services, always staying ahead of the curve by modifying its knowledge base.

Better Communication: Knowledge and comprehension are joined by effective communication. By dissecting difficult concepts and employing storytelling, analogies, and images to make knowledge understandable to their audiences, excellent teachers, presenters, and leaders are excellent communicators.

Creativity: The nexus of many fields of knowledge is where innovation frequently begins. Technological and design ideas were combined by visionaries like Steve Jobs to produce innovative discoveries that completely changed entire sectors.

Personal Development: Learning new things and broadening your horizons might help you become much more aware of yourself. Research indicating the transforming potential of knowledge in forming our personal development has demonstrated that reading literary fiction can enhance empathy and social skills.

Professional Development: Advancement in your career depends on ongoing skill and knowledge upgrades in the very competitive employment market of today. 87% of participants in data science courses, according to Coursera, see real career benefits, highlighting the need of knowledge acquisition for professional growth.

Networking: Making contacts with people who are passionate about the same things you are will help to exchange priceless information. Opportunities for networking where people may exchange ideas, work together, and learn from one another are offered via professional associations, conferences, and internet forums.

Community Involvement: By using your skills to volunteer, sitting on boards, or launching neighbourhood projects can have a big influence. Just in 2019, according to the India Giving report 2019, nearly three-quarters (72%) of Indian adults gave money to a good cause, proving the ability of knowledge to effect good change.

Global Awareness: To be an educated global citizen in a world growing more interconnected by the day, one must learn about many cultures and global concerns. Engaging with several viewpoints or studying overseas can help one become more cross-culturally competent and have a more comprehensive view of the world.

Responsible Citizenship: Having knowledge helps us to decide with knowledge and to promote constructive change in our communities and civilizations. Active civic involvement requires a thorough education, which helps people to comprehend difficult problems and participate in the democratic process.

Environmental Stewardship: Creating sustainable methods and solving environmental issues need scientific understanding. Projects including "citizen science" have become potent instruments for involving the public in environmental research, data collecting, and conservation initiatives and using their combined expertise for the benefit of society.

Building Legacy: We may encourage and empower next generations by recording and disseminating our knowledge. Well-known scientists like Jane Goodall have set up foundations and institutes to spread their research so that long after they are gone, their knowledge will continue to alter and affect the world.

Ultimately, knowledge is our greatest asset; it is a strong force that can mould our lives, spur creativity, and build a better future. By accepting lifelong learning, honing critical thinking abilities, and making significant use of our information, we can realise our greatest potential and advance knowledge, understanding, and constructive change in the world. We have a joint obligation to protect and develop this priceless resource because knowledge enables us to meet the obstacles of the present and mould the opportunities of the future

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