The Difference Between Knowledge and Learning

by | Aug 9, 2016 | Action, Activity, Personal Investment, Success

knowledge and learning

The Difference Between Knowledge and Learning

There’s a difference between knowledge and learning? Ā Yup…At least connotatively in practice. Ā The purpose of this post is to help you understand the difference and why learning is what is going to help you have success.

Definitions

(provided by New Oxford American Dictionary)

knowledge: noun

  1. facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject:Ā a thirst for knowledgeĀ |Ā her considerableĀ knowledge ofĀ antiques.Ā 
    • what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information:Ā the transmission of knowledge.
    • PhilosophyĀ true, justified belief; certain understanding, as opposed to opinion.
  2. awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation:Ā the program had been developedĀ without his knowledgeĀ |Ā he denied all knowledge of the overnight incidents.

Ā learning: nounĀ 

  1. the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught:Ā these children experienced difficulties in learningĀ |Ā [Ā asĀ modifierĀ ]Ā :Ā Ā an important learning process.
    • knowledge acquired through experience, study, or being taught:Ā I liked to parade my learning in front of my sisters.
learning
Very subtle, for sure. Ā The main difference in the formal definitions is that learningĀ uses the termĀ knowledge in its definition, and also includes the term skills.Ā TheĀ acquisition ofĀ knowledge or skills. Ā It appears thatĀ looking for the subtle distinction in the formal definitions is an exercise in splitting hairs.

The Real Difference and Why It Matters

However, CONNOTATIVELY, there is an important and profound distinction between the two. Ā To illustrate this, we’ll use some practical wisdom from a couple of superstar leaders and teachers. Ā Here’s what legendary coach Don Shula says about learning in his book “Everybody’s a Coach“:

Learning is defined as a change in behavior.Ā  You havenā€™t learned a thing until you can take action and use it.

And hereā€™s what legendary personal development teacher and leader Jim Rohn has to say about the subject:

Donā€™t let your learning lead to knowledge, let it lead to action.

The difference between knowledge and learning is action! Ā This was an extremely important concept for me to understand. I love knowledge and I love to learn. Ā Iā€™ve been reading and ā€œgaining knowledgeā€ for all of my life, but it wasnā€™t until not too long ago when this distinction hit me.

Why is it so important? Ā Because when you are trying to move yourself forward, and achieve goals, LEARNINGĀ is what moves you down the path.Ā  Learning is what can push you forward. Ā Knowledge may be useful at a dinner party conversation, but learning is how progress is made.

My Personal Journey and Results

What has been the results for me once I understood the difference between knowledge and learning? Ā This entire blog is filled with the things Iā€™m actuallyĀ learning. Ā These are the concepts that iā€™m putting into actionĀ andĀ learning them. Ā They are not simply theoretical. Ā You can literally pick any and all of the posts in this blog, but some good practical ones that you may find useful are the following:

Conclusion

To achieve, to succeed, to move forward, your GOAL is to engage in LEARNING, not just knowledge.Ā  The difference between knowledge and learning is simply action. Ā When you put your knowledge into action,Ā that’s what puts you on the path to success.

I hope this helped you in some way, and if so, please comment below, share it with others, andĀ please connect with me. Ā I would love to hear your thoughts and the experiences you’ve had as well.

Have a great day!

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