From Data to Wisdom: An Exploration of Concepts

There is a difference between data and information, and between knowledge and wisdom, and there is a difference in how each can be used as leverage in challenging situations. There is great confusion in this regard, which I will attempt to address in a direct manner.

Data simply refers to facts and statistics garnered through observation - the components of information, but not information itself. Info-graphics, spreadsheets and databases are all means for storing and expressing data, to make them easier to ingest and analyze. Despite the hype of "Big Data", there is really little to get excited about at this level.

Once that data is processed and given context, it can be synthesized into information. Information is the refined form of data, but still does not rise to the level of knowledge. There is still work to be done if this data is to be truly valuable.

That data can be interpreted by a living mind into an even more useful form, a "map" of information that, ideally, mirrors the conditions of the real world and allows for high-quality, independent decisions. This is knowledge, and it can presently only be found in a human mind. Computers are not artificial minds, at least not yet, so while they are fantastic at processing data, they are not capable of refining it into knowledge. 

Similarly, the final level in this hierarchy, wisdom, resides solely in the mind. Whereas knowledge is the accumulation and application of information, wisdom implies a level of discernment that can only be acquired through experience. It seeks to contextualize knowledge beyond the specifics of a given situation, allowing extrapolation of general principles of operation. Wisdom imparts an understanding of not only what actions one is capable of in a given situation, but which actions are most likely to lead to a preferred outcome.

This is why experienced leadership is invaluable to an organization or movement, for only in the experienced can true wisdom be found. Wisdom discourages us from being myopic and short-sighted, and reminds us of the continual pattern of cycles life will take us through. It is in wisdom that we may find confidence and security, and through truly wise decisions that we may best deal with challenges as they arise.

Vet your data. Verify your information. Expand your knowledge. Seek out wisdom.

This is the Way.

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