Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote illuminates the difference between knowing something and truly understanding it, and it underscores the profound role that teaching plays in the process of deep understanding.
Knowing, according to the quote, leads to action or "doing." This represents the initial stage of learning where one acquires information or skills. It's about gaining knowledge and applying it effectively. In this sense, knowing allows for practical execution or performance in various areas, whether it's solving a math problem, writing an essay, or playing an instrument.
However, the quote suggests that understanding goes a step further than knowing. Understanding is not just about possessing knowledge, but being able to interpret, extrapolate, and convey it to others. In essence, teaching becomes the litmus test for understanding. If you can explain a concept clearly and effectively to someone else, it demonstrates a deeper level of comprehension.
This quote emphasizes that teaching is not just a transfer of knowledge but a reflection of true understanding. It involves breaking down complex information into understandable parts, anticipating questions, and providing clear explanations. This process not only benefits the learner but also reinforces and deepens the teacher's understanding.
In essence, this quote celebrates the art of teaching and the depth of understanding it signifies. It underlines the value of moving beyond knowing to understanding, as reflected in the ability to teach others.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach." was said by Aristotle (Bio / Quotes). Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in history.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Historical Example: Aristotle and the Lyceum - The ancient Greeks were foundational in shaping many fields of knowledge, and this quote is poignantly illustrated in the relationship between Aristotle, one of history's most renowned philosophers, and his own mentorship roles.
Aristotle was a student at Plato's Academy, one of the ancient world's premier educational institutions. However, after Plato's death and after traveling, Aristotle returned to Athens to establish his own school, the Lyceum. Unlike many thinkers of his age who were content to merely dwell in their own understanding of the world, Aristotle had an innate drive to disseminate his knowledge.
His method of teaching was notably different. Instead of delivering sermons from a raised platform, as was customary, Aristotle preferred to teach while walking the covered walkways of the Lyceum. This method led to his followers being termed "peripatetics" or "people who travel about."
But what sets Aristotle apart, in context with the quote, is not just his vast knowledge but his profound understanding of various subjects — from biology and physics to poetry and politics. This deep understanding drove him to create comprehensive systems and methods in various fields, which he felt compelled to teach. He believed in asking questions, fostering debates, and developing a methodological way of thinking in his students.
One of Aristotle's most notable students was Alexander the Great. Aristotle didn't just provide knowledge to Alexander; he instilled a mindset, an understanding of Greek culture, politics, and philosophy, which Alexander carried with him as he built one of history's most extensive empires.
The relationship between Aristotle and Alexander epitomizes the essence of the quote. Aristotle wasn't just a possessor of knowledge; he was a beacon of understanding. And it was this deep understanding that enabled him to not just "do" but to effectively "teach," shaping the minds of individuals who would, in turn, shape history.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Imagine two software engineers, Lisa and David, both working at a leading tech company. Lisa is incredibly adept at coding. Given a task, she quickly creates solutions and fixes bugs with ease. Her efficiency and knowledge are evident in her work.
David, on the other hand, while competent in coding, has a unique gift. Whenever a junior team member struggles, David has a knack for breaking down complex problems into easily digestible parts. He doesn’t just provide answers; he ensures the junior engineer understands the underlying principles, thereby improving their own skills. David often hosts impromptu sessions after work hours, where he explains new frameworks or methodologies, always ensuring that concepts are clear and understood.
Lisa “knows,” and so she “does.” Her expertise is applied in practice, making her a valuable asset to the company. David “understands,” and so he “teaches.” His profound grasp of the subject doesn't just remain within him; it gets disseminated to others, raising the competence of the whole team.
In this scenario, the essence of the quote shines. Knowledge is valuable, and applying it is crucial. But true understanding is a level deeper. It's not just about personal application but the capacity to impart that knowledge, ensuring that others grasp it too. Teachers, in this sense, aren't just repositories of information; they are bridges, enabling knowledge transfer in a meaningful way.
This quote highlights the distinction between possessing knowledge and having a profound understanding. While both are essential, the latter has the transformative power of elevating others, ensuring that knowledge isn't just confined but shared and propagated.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
