Knowledge defined: the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  Many quotes featuring knowledge come to mind.  The most famous, perhaps, is an English proverb attributed to a well-known philosopher:

— “Knowledge is power.”  Sir Francis Bacon [1561—1626]

Essentially, knowledge is more powerful than physical strength, as it motivates us to study and acquire knowledge, and aids us to think for ourselves and not having to rely on the thoughts of others. How does one acquire knowledge?  One of the best scientists put it simply:

— “The only source of knowledge is experience.”  Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

 Acquiring knowledge may not be enough to gain power.  A Japanese proverb warns:

— “The old forget; the young don’t know.”

To be sure, we gain wisdom as we age, but when the ability to draw on our acquired wisdom fails, we become less wise because of a faulty memory.  The young do not have that problem because their reservoirs of acquired knowledge is low.  Knowing something, whatever it may be, beats not knowing anything, but to those who know something, when memory fails, the result is the same — unless the person forgetting can reignite his synapses to remember.  Both the forgetful old and the unknowing young must rely on a middle-ager to take the next step, whatever that may be.

Another reflective expression, usually used in sports contests:

— “You can’t put an old head on young shoulders.”

In a big game or championship contest, the young frequently collapse for inexperience in handling the stress and anxiety of expected performance.  While the veteran may not be as quick as energetic as a young player, his performance is more predictable and steady. 

— “Slow and steady wins the race.”  Aesop (620—564 BCE.) 

The extent of prior experience aids in adapting to the pressures of the moment.  An older actor may well adapt to the pressure of performance, but if he forgets his lines, he does no one any good.  

Conclusion:  Knowledge is power only if you can attain and retain it.    

What comprises an education?  Is it school learning, like the famous three R’s:  Reading ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic, or life experience, like touching something hot, zigging instead of zagging, or breaking up a relationship.  One could argue that an education comprises much more, and that it begins at birth and continues until death.  Anything one does, and many things one fails to do, contributes to their overall development in some way.  

An ancient Chinese philosopher claimed:

— “Rewards and punishments are the lowest form of education.”  Chang-tzu (369 BC —286 BC), one of the founders of Taoism. 

Under that low standard, I got myself a good education, for as a child I received rewards for being good, and spankings or deprivations for breaking the rules.  Chuang-tsu did not expand on what constituted the highest form of education.  

In grammar school, I recall the punishments particularly.  The good nuns used their standard issue fifteen-inch long, two-inch wide ruler for more than measuring length, but for enforcing rules and encouraging good penmanship. All students had to write with their index finger perfectly straight on the pencil shank. If a student raised the index finger knuckle to access more pressure, the nun would smack that knuckle with the ruler, as a reminder. To this day, I write with a straight index finger, which is why no one can read my handwriting. 

Whenever I would solicit one of my children to do something for or with me, I would always answer their question, “Why?” by saying:  “You’re getting yourself an education.”  I never clued them what part, just that it would advance them in life, being able to do more on their own, or learn something new.  One brisk winter day, I asked my son to help me place outside light bulbs on a tall spruce tree, while I held the ladder.  He was doing a fine job as he climbed up and down while I rotated the ladder around the tree.  At one juncture, his mother came outside to check on our progress.  She shouted to him: “What are you doing up on that ladder.”  He replied appropriately:  “I’m getting myself an education” — a lesson learned.