Knowledge is power (Quotation) (2024)

The phrase"knowledge is power"is often attributed to Francis Bacon,from hisMeditationes Sacrae(1597).[1]

Thomas Jefferson used the phrase in his correspondence on at leastfour occasions, each time in connection with the establishment of a state university in Virginia.

In an 1817 letter to George Ticknor, Jefferson equated knowledge with power, safety, and happiness:

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[T]his last establishment [a state university] will probably be within a mile of Charlottesville, and four from Monticello, if the system should be adopted at all by our legislature who meet within a week from this time. my hopes however are kept in check by the ordinary character of our state legislatures, the members of which do not generally possess information enough to percieve the important truths, that knolege is power, that knolege is safety, and that knolege is happiness.[2]

Intwo 1820 letters to Joseph Cabell, Jefferson again emphasized the importance of knowledge:

Kentucky, our daughter, planted since Virginia was a distinguished state, has an University, with 14. professors & upwards of 200 students. ... all the states but our own are sensible that knolege is power.[3]

[I]t is unquestionable that[Virginia] has more influence in our confederacy than any other state in it. whence this ascendancy? from her attention to education unquestionably. there can be no stronger proof that knolege is power, and that ignorance is weakness.[4]

Continuing to write on the subject of a state university, Jefferson referred to the power of knowledge in an 1821letter to John Taylor:

[Northeastern] seminaries are no longer proper for Southern or Western students. the signs of the times admonish us to call them home. if knolege is power we should look to it's advancement at home, where no resource of power will be unwanting.[5]

Knowledge is power (Quotation) (2024)

FAQs

Knowledge is power (Quotation)? ›

The phrase "knowledge is power" is often attributed to Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban PC (/ˈbeɪkən/; 22 January 1561 – 9 April 1626), known as Lord Verulam between 1618 and 1621, was an English philosopher and statesman who served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England under King James I.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Francis_Bacon
, from his Meditationes Sacrae (1597). Thomas Jefferson used the phrase in his correspondence on at least four occasions, each time in connection with the establishment of a state university in Virginia.

Who said the slogan knowledge is power? ›

When Sir Francis Bacon published in his work, Meditationes Sacrae (1597), the saying: "knowledge itself is power", he most likely wanted to transmit the idea that having and sharing knowledge is the cornerstone of reputation and influence, and therefore power; all achievements emanate from this.

When they say knowledge is power? ›

Few people are aware that it was Sir Francis Bacon who coined the Latin phrase “scientia potentia est,” which literally translates into “for also knowledge itself is power.” In time the phrase was abbreviated to the shorter version we are familiar with today: “knowledge is power.” Used widely to promote a lifestyle of ...

Who said knowledge is the most powerful weapon? ›

All rights reserved. In 1597 Francis Bacon stated that “knowledge itself is power”1 and Nelson Mandela, in the same vein, said in 2003 that “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world”.

What is the quote about acquiring knowledge? ›

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise.

Who first said that knowledge is power? ›

The phrase "knowledge is power" is often attributed to Francis Bacon, from his Meditationes Sacrae (1597). Thomas Jefferson used the phrase in his correspondence on at least four occasions, each time in connection with the establishment of a state university in Virginia.

Did Thomas Jefferson say knowledge is power? ›

Thomas Jefferson understood "that knowledge is power, that knowledge is safety, that knowledge is happiness."2 However, it is important to remember that in Thomas Jefferson's lifetime, there was no system of public education like we have today.

What is a famous quote about knowledge? ›

To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge” – Confucius.

Does the Bible say knowledge is power? ›

Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power.

What are three quotes about the power of knowledge? ›

Top 10 Best Wisdom Quotes:

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." "We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn." "Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure."

What was Socrates famous saying about knowledge? ›

The Only True Wisdom Is in Knowing You Know Nothing

Socrates was known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his willingness to question everything—even things most people took for granted. He knew that knowledge was not stagnant; it evolved over time.

Does knowledge lead to power? ›

The popular saying “knowledge is power” speaks to me because I believe this statement to be very true. Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools humanity has. It creates progress, helps make informed decisions, and acts as a guide for the future.

Why knowledge is the greatest power? ›

Knowledge Is Power Essay- Knowledge is something that will serve you your whole life. The most powerful thing in the world is knowledge because it can create and destroy life on earth. Moreover, knowledge helps us distinguish between humans and animals. Knowledge is the ability to use your knowledge to help others.

Is knowledge is power a motto? ›

The phrase “scientia potentia est” is a Latin motto which means “knowledge is power”. It is usually attributed to Sir Francis Bacon, although it is not known that this exact phrase appears in Bacon's English or Latin works.

What is the proverb of knowledge is? ›

Knowledge is Power” is the famous proverb which means Knowledge has the ability to conquer the world. It not only makes you intelligent but also gives you name, fame, strength, power, money, position, all those things which we would like to possess.

What is the quote about knowledge Einstein? ›

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

What is knowledge is power said by Foucault? ›

According to Foucault's understanding, power is based on knowledge and makes use of knowledge; on the other hand, power reproduces knowledge by shaping it in accordance with its anonymous intentions. Power creates and recreates its own fields of exercise through knowledge.

Who said knowledge becomes power only when we put it into use? ›

David J Schwartz is quoted in his book The magic of thinking big, writing “Knowledge is power only when put to use – and then only when the use made of it is constructive.” I have spent a large percentage of my adult life coaching and educating others on the skills necessary to achieve success in sales.

What is the real meaning of knowledge is power? ›

'Knowledge is power' means that a man has education and a complete control on his life by using the strength of knowledge. The ability to acquire knowledge, preserve and pass it on to the future generation makes man powerful. It enables him to control the forces of nature and use them for his benefit.

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