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Knowledge, by itself, is inert. It is the potential to influence or create change, but not the change itself. A person may have deep knowledge of medicine, engineering, or strategy, but if that knowledge is not applied, it does not produce any effect in the world. Power, in contrast, implies the ability to act or influence outcomes.
Power requires agency—the capacity of an entity to act in a given environment. Knowledge must be paired with someone who is willing and able to use it, and who has goals or intent. Without an agent to apply knowledge purposefully, it remains abstract.
Example: A scientist may know how to build a nuclear bomb, but unless that knowledge is acted upon with intent, there is no power—only potential.
Power emerges when knowledge is applied toward a purpose. This includes making decisions, influencing others, creating technologies, or shaping systems. In other words, knowledge is not power—it is empowering, when translated into action.
Even applied knowledge doesn’t guarantee power unless it fits the context. A person may act on knowledge, but without resources, authority, or social capital, their ability to affect outcomes might still be limited.