We have all heard the phrase, "Knowledge is power." It has always struck me as a curious phrase, because I always wondered what knowledge and power actually meant. Of course, being human, we have our own definitions of what that means, regardless of what the dictionary defines it as. Of course, both are meaningless without information to lend its credence to both. Both knowledge and power are tied to the usefulness of the information provided. The higher the quality of information provided the better it is for all interested parties. Those interested in the data will use it to promote their own interests and perhaps those that they have a natural affinity for. For those that wish to remain in powerful positions or be seen as the best in their field of interest, it becomes a tool that, with proper manipulation, can do much to enhance their influence.
Information is then something pure and remains unadulterated by the human mind(s) observing it. After a proper period of vetting, it then becomes something resembling knowledge. This process is very much like the scientific method, which imposes a set of steps to test this information. For those unfamiliar with the method, it begins with an observation of a phenomena and a series of tests are performed to test the validity of not only the hypothesis about the information, but a number of conclusions as well. Politics works in a similar fashion, since those that are in such positions long to hold onto those positions of influence for as long as possible. With a proper handling of information and knowledge of when and how it should be disseminated, it can then be given to others when they deem fit.
Knowledge and power mean different things to different people, depending upon the motivations of the individual or the group that is being represented by that individual. Members of the elite will then desire it as a means of great influence and support for their respective positions. Since there are few people who wish to be deemed as a laughingstock to others, having a monopoly on how information should be interpreted is of the highest importance. After all, how can you have a continuing influence over an individual or group if you continually show that you have an improper means of manipulating information? This is why comedians are of such import. They understand, for the most part, the information being observed and present in such a way that is accessible to people who have an impediment in understanding the data before them.
People who are not in positions of great influence see information as a possible data set that could be used by their progeny to increase survival rates in the species. If a certain phenomena is observed and it has a benefit to the individual that discovers it, then it is potentially incorporated into something to enhance viability. For instance, finding information about a celebrity divorce or marriage adds nothing to the lives of the individual viewing it. In short, such information is of little substantive value and will shortly be forgotten due to its lack of application. However, learning about a new technique of gardening that enhances the output of say, tomatoes, is of greater use and might be passed along to that individuals progeny.
So information can be manipulated to suit whoever or whatever the interest or motivation of the individual is. If an individual is in a position of great power, than it would behoove them to have tighter constraints on the ebb and flow of data that finds its way to the average individual. The more control that is exerted over that, the more likely they are able to create a society of subservient individuals, beholden to the wishes and whims of the governing elite. Those that hold knowledge in the highest esteem are similar in that respect, but to my mind, they become like magicians. They showcase their ability to manipulate information and present it in such a way that it impresses the layperson. But like any person, they can either use their sharp minds for good of for evil, depending on the methodology of manipulation and what their goals are.
This is why something like WikiLeaks is of such great importance to the powers that be and to the laymen. It presents information that has not been manipulated by another force and leaves it up to the individual, of varying degrees of intellect, to decipher for him or herself its importance. For those that wish to maintain their own monopoly on knowledge and power, this is a dangerous proposition. Once they lose their grip on this information, whatever it is, their control is significantly diminished and to the average individual, who may or may not have held them in high esteem, their control is less than what it had been before. That means that if we as individuals fail to use this opportunity to think, to learn, and to live life as purposefully as possible, then we have only ourselves to blame when we find ourselves in fetters once again.
