“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” —T.S. Eliot
In our world, there is no shortage of information to consume (the era is not called the “Information Age” for nothing). But information, by itself, only goes so far. It’s not the same as understanding, and it’s light years from applying what we learn.
So while having a surplus of information at our fingertips can be helpful at times, it can also be a distraction. It can keep us preoccupied to the point that we never gain the understanding and wisdom that is beyond the surface. Yes, we can fill our time consuming information, but in the end, what will we have to show for it? Are we truly growing in true knowledge and understanding? Or simply giving ourselves a better shot at winning at Trivial Pursuit?
Information is valuable. But more information isn’t always better. Especially if it distracts us from understanding and applying what we learn.