Knowledge is Power

 This is a quote that is probably the most misunderstood and misused. I did not know the citation for this quote and had to look it up. Seems it was used by Thomas Jefferson and previously attributed to Francis Bacon. My understanding of this quote all these years had been that knowledge interpreted as education or understanding of something is powerful. In the present times, I have let us say been amused by how people use this quote or seem to interpret it. Glad to see that Jefferson did use it pertaining to a state university so it is linked to education and he seemed to think Knowledge is power, happiness and important of all safety. 

Some seem to use it as any form of knowledge is power and especially knowledge of gossip is considered to be a form of power. Though it does help wield a form of manipulative power onto others it is not the kind of knowledge that can bring one safety or happiness. Probably the issue is the usage of the word knowledge and information as synonyms without distinguishing information from misinformation. But then probably knowledge can also be obtained from cherry picked sources to fit one's biases, then it would be miseducation.

So knowledge in its own is supposed to bring power, happiness and safety when it is kept away from miseducation and misinformation is my opinion.