Knowledge is power - a positive or a negative force

Knowledge is power. A well-known proverb that has historically been used to promote the value of education and learning.

Perhaps, when originally penned, it was used to empower and inspire; the idea that through education etc, any person can progress and gain more influence over their environment and circumstances. Knowledge is power meant being more informed, which meant being able to make better decisions. In this sense, the quest for knowledge is about self-improvement and self-mastery. Knowledge is limitless and universal.

But the phrase can also take a more sinister route. Knowledge is power in a Machiavellian sense is about competition and having power - and at the expense (or over) others. Knowledge is viewed as a finite resource and a means to selfish gain.

If this was economics, the first interpretation is positive sum game and the second is zero sum game.

If this was Stephen Covey, the former mindset is abundance-growth, the latter mindset is scarcity-fixed.

I began surfing - or attempting to surf - two years ago. What began as an uncertainty curiosity has transformed into a genuine passion. And, the pursuit of 'the perfect wave', has meant a thirst for knowledge, both theoretical and practical. Countless YouTube videos, books and articles coupled with in-water observations, conversations and experimentations about waves, techniques, surfboards. Coriolis force, bathymetric focusing, Beaufort scale, circumferential dispersion - I have learnt so much, yet still look at others and am in awe of their knowledge and their application of that knowledge as surfers, as board shapers etc. The more I learn, the more I realise how much I have yet to learn. It seems that even a lifetime will only allow me to scratch the surface. And, the more I learn and apply that learning, the more fun I can experience in the water.

In surf culture, there is the notion of the kook. One definition of a kook is, "A surfer who has an exaggerated perception of their surf skills. Their lack of surf knowledge, especially concerning surf ethics, usually interferes with other surfer’s fun in the water". The problem isn't the lack of knowledge, the problem is the lack of self-awareness. Perhaps because the thirst for knowledge is not there. They are a danger to themselves and to others. Kooks are a problem.

But, (some) advanced surfers can also be a problem. Aggressive, dominating experienced surfers can often direct disdain and contempt towards less-capable surfers. They seek to deny others (particularly less capable surfers) from coming to their spot and trying to catch their waves.

Noel Salas runs one of my favourite YouTube channels. A talented and experienced surfer, he offers detailed reviews on different surfboard models. He goes through the theory of a board (design, shape etc) and then offers a battle-tested view of each board as he takes them into the water. He exposes his own skills to the viewership, and he doesn't always get it right! Perhaps, even more richly, he engages with user comments and feedback. I have personally made board purchases based on his advice and individual engagement.

I believe he shares his knowledge liberally because, for him, sharing his knowledge with others does not diminish his own knowledge in any way. In fact, sharing that knowledge is a sweet privilege. He has also recently expanded his offerings to offer detailed 'how-to-surf' tutorials which are available for a small monthly subscription. He does not 'own' that knowledge.

Something I appreciate about him is his humility - about his privileged position as an "expert". He has acquired much knowledge - theoretical and practical- but he also genuinely thinks he has much more to learn and to grow. Perhaps he is inspired to elevate others.

We see these different approaches to knowledge is power around us. In the workplace, on Linkedin, even within ourselves. Knowledge as a destructive force used to gain an advantage (at the expense of others), to marginalise and exclude others, and to bring others down. Or knowledge to bring people together, to collaborate and to elevate.

Whether or not we consider ourselves an expert or not, once upon a time we were all a novice. And, even if we are an expert, there is always more to learn and to master. Remember, a kook is not a kook because of a lack of knowledge, but a lack of self-awareness and humility.