The Best Gift You Can Give: Helping Others Know More

"The best thing a human being can do is to help another human being know more." — Charlie Munger.

This simple yet profound statement by Charlie Munger is one of those truths that resonates deeply, not just because it’s eloquently phrased, but because it speaks to something fundamentally human.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, what does it really mean to help someone know more?

In a world that moves faster than we can think, where we’re constantly bombarded with information, the value of true knowledge, of deep understanding, has never been more vital. And yet, we often forget one critical aspect of knowledge, its ability to multiply. Unlike tangible resources, knowledge doesn’t diminish when it’s shared. It grows. It expands. And it elevates everyone it touches.

But there's an even more important point here, when you help someone know more, you’re not just giving them information. You’re unlocking potential. You’re fostering curiosity. You’re igniting change.

Think back to any pivotal moment in your life. Chances are, it wasn’t something you achieved entirely on your own. Somewhere along the way, someone helped you. Maybe they taught you, mentored you, or even just asked you the right question that led to a breakthrough. That’s what it means to help others know more.

The Lifelong Learners

Consider Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, whose entire method was about asking questions. He didn’t see himself as a teacher, but as a guide who led others to their own answers. He knew that the best way to help someone grow wasn’t by telling them what to think, but by helping them figure it out for themselves.

This isn’t just about teaching facts. It’s about lighting a fire that fuels curiosity, growth, and progress.

Knowledge Is the Greatest Equalizer

When we share what we know, we’re doing more than transferring information, we’re equalizing opportunities. Helping someone learn gives them the power to change their circumstances. It gives them tools to navigate the complexities of life and work, no matter where they started.

In business, we often talk about competitive advantage, but here’s a twist, the most sustainable advantage any company or leader can cultivate is a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing. When teams understand that their value lies not in hoarding information but in empowering others to grow, the entire organization moves forward.

So, how do you help someone know more?

Start With These Three Actions:

1. Ask Questions, Don’t Just Give Answers Challenge those around you to think. Ask them questions that provoke deeper reflection, that lead them to their own discoveries. Often, the greatest gift you can give someone is the space to explore their own thoughts.
2. Mentor with Purpose Whether you're leading a team or guiding a peer, focus on their growth, not just in the short term, but over the long haul. Don’t just teach them how to do the job. Teach them how to think differently about the job. Teach them to ask, What more can I learn here?
3. Create Opportunities for Learning Build an environment where learning isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. Invest in your people. Give them access to the tools, books, and experiences that will make them better thinkers. In turn, they’ll make your organization stronger, more innovative, more resilient.

The Ripple Effect

Here’s the most remarkable part of this whole philosophy. When you help someone know more, you’re not just impacting one person, you’re setting off a ripple effect. That person now has the power to help others, to ask better questions, to contribute more meaningfully to the world around them.

And that’s the kind of impact that lasts.

So, the next time you’re sitting across from a colleague, a mentee, or even just a friend, ask yourself: Am I giving them knowledge? Or am I giving them the tools to seek it for themselves?

Because in the end, the greatest thing you can give someone isn’t an answer. It’s the ability to find their own answers. And that, in the words of Charlie Munger, is the best thing a human being can do.

What are you doing today to help someone know more?