Francis Bacon once said that ‘knowledge is power’. This is true in several cases, but conditions apply.
Information on things that we control can empower us.
It is useful to know if tomorrow’s weather forecast is conducive for our planned picnic. It helps to know that our car’s insurance policy runs out this year, along with the best deals for renewing it online. If you are craving for Punjabi Chole Masala (like I was last week), it is empowering to have the best recipe at hand.
Information on things we have no control over can make us feel powerless.
We have little influence over Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, the plight of our favourite football team in the Champions League and the GDP growth rate of our country from last quarter.
In the 21st century, we are inundated with knowledge and information. Yet, not all knowledge is power. Some knowledge can make you feel powerless. Ergo, choose wisely.
Observations 