Knowledge & knowing

Email: Is there a difference between knowledge & knowing? (UAE)

Usually, it’s hard to distinguish as both are abstract concepts. Though, assessing the difference can lead to a better awareness of who we are & what we want. Knowledge is defined as an expertise or skill acquired through worldly education. Includes facts, figures & print/digital information. Involves analysis, learning, communication, association & reasoning. Data that is beautifully processed by the mind. Knowledge is finite. E.g. a butterfly has two wings, our earth is round & the sky is blue. 

While knowledge is definite, knowing is fluid. Beyond the confines of our limited mind space, perspectives or perceptions. As the wind, it blows unexpectedly. Just like a sudden gale of intuitive insight or a gust of creativity. Perhaps a chill, a resonance, a trace or a reminder. Knowing is felt within, a gut feeling a quiet murmur. 

Knowledge is accumulated from the outside in, based on external stimuli. We can control how much we acquire, what type, when or where? Over time, our mind’s database is increasingly filled with the arbitrary facts of life. Knowing can’t be targeted, not quantitative. Doesn’t derive from finite objectivity or numbers. Rather, it emanates from the subjective experiences of imagination or creativity. It’s a realisation. Spontaneously, lifts us from the depths of uncertainty. Knowing brings the optimism, hope & courage to navigate through our life. With each step our knowing grows stronger. It simplifies our knowledge. 

When we truly know, we can differentiate, evaluate, explain, interpret, innovate & inspire. Knowledge & knowing long to play together. Knowing sprinkles knowledge with wisdom & belief. There is knowledge & there is knowing. One helps make a living, the other helps make a life.