Knowledge is a Commodity

Knowledge is power commodity. We live in a time where knowledge is no longer a rare, powerful asset—it’s widely available and often free. In this era, knowledge workers must reinvent themselves to stay relevant.

Not too long ago, there was little connection between the talents or knowledge you possessed and the wealth you could achieve. If you were born into wealth, you remained wealthy. If you were born a peasant, you stayed poor. Riches were determined by birth, not by talent or knowledge. Society was divided into kings and servants, lords and peasants, masters and slaves.

The modern age ushered in a new demand for professionals—doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other knowledge workers—who spent years acquiring specialized knowledge. A new hierarchy emerged, where wealth was no longer tied to birthplace but to how much knowledge one could accumulate. The more expertise you gained, the more you could charge for your services. A new graduate lawyer couldn’t command the same fees as a lawyer with 30 years of experience. The class system evolved, shifting from birthright to knowledge. The “American Dream” narrative said that if you studied hard enough, you could charge more for your expertise and become wealthy. But now, this dream is being disrupted.

Knowledge was once locked behind the gates of libraries, academia, and private circles. It was shared only among those who could afford the time and money to acquire it. Even with the new opportunities knowledge provided, few could truly capitalize on it.

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