Knowledge is gathering the right data,

learning the right methods,

and putting them into practice.

That process requires a guide,

and they come in numerous forms:

books, teachers, gurus, or ChatGPT.

The guide shows us

where to find the information

and instructs us on how to use

and apply the information.

This is always based on the orientation

of the guide.

Understanding demands more

than following.

It is reflecting on information,

seeing how it plays out,

and making connections for ourselves.

That process requires outcomes

and how they matter to us.

Outcomes we like. Outcomes we don’t.

These outcomes are necessary

so we have additional reference

to capture learning

that will help OUR orientation

with the information.

When we apply information,

we gain knowledge.

When we translate information,

we gain understanding.

Asking for an explanation

and hoping to get an understanding

is not possible.

It’s up to us to translate it

into our own understanding.

What outcomes

are offering you reference

that you haven’t yet translated?