Information is an abundant resource. It’s everywhere. You can find accurate and inaccurate information with little effort.
Over time, if you collect enough information, synthesize it, and form a position, you will have knowledge.
Having knowledge is a wonderful thing, and on that alone, you can be good, sometimes even great.
However, knowledge without application, and without empathy, is simply a head full of information, ideas and opinions.
It’s not until you’ve applied it over and over and seen the places where the knowledge alone is insufficient that you reach understanding.
You may be smart, you may have knowledge, but until you have complete understanding, you just don’t understand.
And this is the problem with building a business around a unique skill. You can gather up and pass along information. The ambitious understudy will eventually gain knowledge. But understanding takes time…and time is money.