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:

[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

What is a famous quote about 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.

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? ›

Quote 1: “Knowledge is Power” – Francis Bacon / Thomas Hobbes. Perhaps the most famous saying about knowledge comes from Francis Bacon, a man who served as Attorney General and then Lord Chancellor of England in the 17th century.

What is the statement 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.

Why do they say knowledge is 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? ›

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.

Who said knowledge is the key to success? ›

Benjamin Franklin once said "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." How very true that is. No matter what happens, the one thing that can't be taken from you is your mind.

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 knowledge is power hypothesis? ›

The knowledge-is-power hypothesis (KiP) states that domainspecific knowledge (i.e., specialized knowledge of a topic; VandenBos, 2007) is among the strongest determinants of performance and learning (Greve et al., 2019; Hambrick & Engle, 2002; M€ ohring et al., 2018).

What is a golden quote about knowledge? ›

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it."

Who said all 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.

What is the most famous quote ever said? ›

I have a dream.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

What is the full saying of knowledge is power? ›

The exact phrase "scientia potentia est" (knowledge is power) was written for the first time in the 1668 version of Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, who was a secretary to Bacon as a young man. The related phrase "sapientia est potentia" is often translated as "wisdom is power".

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 belief that knowledge is power? ›

Advocating for modern science led Bacon to proclaim that “Knowledge is Power.” He was referring to the knowledge that has the potential to empower individuals and societies.

Who first said the quote 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.

Who said applied knowledge is power? ›

Quote by Dale Carnegie: “Knowledge isn't power until it is applied.”

Who said knowledge is potential power? ›

Quote by Napoleon Hill: “Knowledge is only potential power.

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