Information vs. Knowledge

In the information era

Today in Code.Lead.Succeed Newsletter in 10 minutes or less

• You learn how the information has changed in the last 30 years

• You learn the value of knowledge

• I give you my five knowledge strategies

Let’s go!

What’s the difference?

Information is any content you consume.

• Books are content

• This article is content

• Lecture at university is content.

Knowledge is applied information. It emerges when you can verify the accuracy of information in your life.

Early days

In the mid-90s in Poland, when I was growing up, the information could have been more abundant and often outdated.

I remember walking to the nearest bookstore 2km from my house (uphill both ways, through the snow and lava lakes) to look at books. Information was there, but most books needed to be updated. They also weren’t cheap. Writing, translating and distributing a book takes time and a lot of money upfront.

With the scarcity of information, its value was close to that of knowledge.

Information Era

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Comparing it to the money and effort necessary to print a book, it’s nearly free.

That’s how the content economy emerged.

Millions of people share millions of pieces of advice every day. This creates the white noise of information we consume every day.

Finding Knowledge

So how can you figure out if what you read will make you better (Knowledge) or if it’s just information?

Here are the five strategies I use every day:

1. Question everything

It’s not about disagreement but getting as close to objective truth as possible.

Build your judgement.

With this article:

• How much does it cost to publish a book?

• Is it applicable to your life and experience?

• Does the change in access to information over the last 30 years make sense to you?

2. Judge by experience

My favourite are 19yo posting advice about lasting marriage.

The advice can be sound, but what’s the chance it’s a repeated gossip?

I listen only to content creators who made it outside of content creation in the areas I’m interested in. I’ll double-check with my friends about their experience to see if they had similar results.

3. Crosscheck

One person having an opinion is information.

Multiple people with proven results repeating the same advice increases the chance of real value.

4. Test, test and test again

The only way to be 100% sure if the information is knowledge is to apply it.

Only if you try it out you learn and verify the information.

5. Align with your goals

If you’re a Software Engineer wanting to become an Engineering Manager, knowing competitive knitting won’t help you.

Audit what you consume and if it’s for your pleasure or learning. There is nothing wrong with fun content. Don’t mistake one for another.

What’s next?

Information is cheap, and it will become even more affordable. Analytical skills lose their value.

The emerging industry comes from synthesis - the ability to gather information freely available, filter it and transform it into knowledge for yourself and others.

Today, learning is about processing the information rather than about acquiring it.

P.S.

It’s about a year since I switched my role to Engineering Manager and found my passion in helping Software Engineers build their careers. I spent hours helping the 50 engineers I manage, and now I offer 1:1 coaching to everybody.

✅ If you want to build a clear career vision for 2024
✅ If you want to build your communication skills
✅ If you want to become an engineering leader

I have 3 coaching spots for you to get personalised support in your career!

Reply to this email now or DM me on LinkedIn with CAREER, and let’s chat about your 2024 success.