The value of knowledge is one that has been vastly respected throughout the history of modern civilization. Since before the Common Era, educated scholars barring the gift of knowledge have assumed high positions on the social hierarchy, the most prominent examples being Greek logicians such as Aristotle and Chrysippus. As 16th century philosopher Sir Francis Bacon conjectured, “Knowledge is Power”. Perhaps this cliché comes to mind first when one debates the definition of knowledge, or more importantly, the value of knowledge in contemporary society. Before making any conclusions about personal values or development through knowledge, one must first operationally define the variable in question. What is knowledge, exactly? Once this inquiry has been resolved, it can be discovered that knowledge is the most important of personal values because it is the very root of individualism.

The term knowledge originates in 14th century England, where it was seen as a synonym to “cognizance” (source: Merriam-Webster). Cognizance, in turn, generally describes “distinguishing mark or emblem”. While this denotation is commonly seen as obsolete in the twenty first century, it may still hold some validity when searching for the true definition of knowledge. In this sense, some may say knowledge is synonymous with experience. As the experiences we have had in the past define who we are today, they distinguish us from others.

The knowledge that one gains from his or her journey through life is profoundly important as a personal value because it is the base- the very essence of individuality. But then why is individuality such an important aspect of one’s personality? Individualism is not at the base or the root of what makes up a person, but rather a notion that draws a direct parallel to the human personality in its most dissimilar and unique form. The importance of individuality is one that has been heavily respected throughout history as well. As Jamaican-American poet and Harlem Renaissance leader Claude McKay wrote, “If a man is not faithful to his own individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything”. McKay’s words are very perspicacious, speaking out to the importance of self-respect and self- acceptance. Before one can be loyal to others or to society, one must be loyal to oneself. This loyalty is gained by developing personality and individuality, which is directly generated from knowledge gained from personal experiences. This is why knowledge is vitally important as a personal value.

Furthermore, Merriam-Webster lists a very particular synonym for knowledge: wisdom. The given definition for wisdom is similar to that of knowledge (“philosophic or scientific learning”). The same source also describes “synonym” as “same meaning in some or all senses”. Although knowledge and wisdom aren’t exactly the same, they are equally important in forming the foundation of individuality, and therefore it is customary to mention one along with the other. As British journalist, musician and broadcaster Miles Kington once said, “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing that a tomato doesn’t belong in a fruit salad”. Both concepts have a lot to do with “knowing”, but where knowledge is normally linked towards experience, wisdom is linked towards common sense. Knowledge is useless without wisdom to manage it with, and wisdom is useless without knowledge and experiences to control the use of. To put it in layman’s terms, knowledge and wisdom are two sides of the same coin, both work cooperatively to generate individuality, and both are profoundly important as personal values.

In addition, knowledge is useful for more than developing individuality. A very important aspect of knowledge is of knowing one’s limits and one’s ignorance. As Nicolaus Copernicus once said, “To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge”. If nothing else, knowledge of ignorance is vitally important in keeping one’s pride in check. History has shown pride to be a dangerous and deadly element. For example, were it not for the pride and overconfidence of the manufacturers of the famous British passenger liner RMS Titanic, perhaps its wreckage would have been prevented with the onset of proper safety measures. This supports the theme that knowledge of one’s own ignorance is unquestionably important, so meaningful that it may actually be the difference between life and death.

Knowledge has been sought after and highly valued throughout all of humankind’s history. From the tremendous, unmitigated dynasties of Alexander the Great and Genghis Kahn to the modern societies that hold power in the 21st century, those gifted with an amplitude of knowledge and experiences have risen to the top of the socioeconomic hierarchy.

In essence, knowledge is important as a personal value because it forms the base of one’s individuality, which in turn, becomes who that person is as a member of contemporary society and as a human being. Furthermore, knowledge of one’s ignorance is crucially important to one’s survival as well as his or her place in society. The knowledge gained through experiences in life sincerely play an enormous role in one’s contributions to the world as well as development as a mature human being.