Knowledge

Knowledge is what you get and what you share with others. You acquire it through experience (riding a bike) and through a learning process (mathematics). Everyone agrees that it has great value, but it is more valuable when you share it with others than when you keep it to yourself. Don’t worry: no one can steal it from you! Access to information is a human right. States should guarantee access to data and information without barriers and discrimination. On the other hand, knowledge should be independent – otherwise, it serves only the few who control it.

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
George Orwell, “1984”

Knowledge is in constant interaction with feelings and action. When it changes, it affects your feelings and attitudes about an issue and motivates you to take action. But also, when you take action you gain new knowledge and that new knowledge can create action again. Knowledge and activism are the two pedals that keep the world moving towards a more just future.

the Secret library of Knowledge

The Way to Knowledge: Data – Information – Knowledge

We use the terms “data”, “information” and “knowledge” every day. But do we know how they are related to each other?

Data is the raw, unprocessed facts; information is processed data that has been given context, and knowledge is a deeper understanding that arises from applying information and experience. These concepts are interrelated and become increasingly valuable as they progress from data to knowledge, with knowledge being the most useful for decision-making and problem-solving.

When we look at cooking, data comprises a list of ingredients and their quantities for a recipe, like flour, sugar, and eggs in specific amounts. Information is the result of combining these ingredients to create a cake batter, providing a snapshot of the recipe’s progress. On the other hand, knowledge stems from experience and understanding, enabling us to know when the cake is ready to be taken out of the oven based on its aroma, texture, and colour rather than relying solely on a timer, making baking enjoyable and successful.

My friend knows that a cake is perfect after 30 minutes based on their experience. But my parent, with their old crappy oven, would tell me to leave the cake in for 50 minutes. Experience is why the same information can create different knowledge within your group. All of us have unique experiences that define our understanding! Fantastic?

Reflection

Can you think about something that was considered established knowledge a few years ago and is not valid anymore today? For sure! But this also means that our knowledge of today may have no practical value tomorrow.

Something that was considered established knowledge a few years ago may not be valid today, and knowledge of today may have no practical value tomorrow.
Especially in today’s ever-changing world we have to reflect on every piece of knowledge we have, also on our own. We have culturally and socially developed knowledge from our parents, and other influences from our past. These can be powerful beliefs that need to be examined to see if they still prove to be right.
Sometimes, in fact, our actions aim precisely at getting the general public to reflect on prior knowledge. Activism itself can be seen as a process of reflecting on the knowledge of our communities. Indeed, who would have thought 80 years ago that plastic could threaten our planet?
The sources of knowledge are as important as knowledge itself. Something I heard a group of people on the train say may be valuable knowledge or just a rumor. If we agree on this, we also agree that it is good to double-check what we learn, ideally by following different sources. The more reliable the sources of knowledge, the more usable the knowledge is in order to take action. And remember! Knowledge creates action, but action also creates knowledge. Act, participate, create groups, communities and knowledge will follow.

More about reliable sources can be found on the page Topic “Where do you get the information from?“.

Learning to Learn

We gain knowledge and learn new things everywhere! Throughout our lives, we must be receptive and willing to learn how to learn as the Earth turns and the world changes.

An activist must know how to learn. It is not possible to go back to school every five to ten years, when our world will have changed completely because of new technological, political, ecological, geopolitical developments. This key competence includes awareness of one’s learning process and needs, identifying available opportunities, and the ability to overcome obstacles in order to learn successfully.
According to the meaning of the famous Chinese proverb: learning to learn for knowledge is like learning to fish for hunger. Being independent in activism may be one of the most valuable virtues. Sometimes knowledge comes to us easily, but there are other times when we have to work hard to get it. Educating ourselves constantly is an attitude that is much needed in activism. So, try to be up-to-date with news, new information, discussion with your peers etc. as much as you can. This can also guarantee your independence. Imagine thousands of independent people joining forces for a common cause. Nice…

Learning by Doing

Learning by doing is another excellent way to experience and learn new things. It is also a form of education and, therefore, a way of educating yourself.

DIY! Knowledge and education are inseparable. But knowledge does not only exist in schools, universities and training centres. This is mainly what we call formal eduction. I can learn to work in a team, communicate, show empathy and acquire technical skills in sound and lighting when, for example, participating in the creation of an artistic performance. I also learn in every environment I am in, in the family, in the neighbourhood, at work, etc. This is informal education. The knowledge we acquire through our experience is learning by doing. Learning by doing are really valuable even though we do not get educational degrees for them. Plus, they are often more sustainable. If you experience something, it’s hard to forget, isn’t it? Compared to this: how easy is it to forget what a teacher said just minutes ago 😉.

What was an experience you really learned a lot from?

Self-Awareness

It seems much easier to take new information from a person we like than from a person we do not consider sympathetic. Are those we sympathise with or agree with always right?

We usually learn from someone we agree with, not from someone we disagree with. Why is this? Are people we like never wrong? And are all those we do not like never right?
Our minds are extremely selective. The same information can produce different knowledge for me and different knowledge for you. The knowledge we gain depends entirely on who we are, our experiences, our previous knowledge and our ideological background. It makes a difference in a discussion about the gender pay gap if you are a man, a woman or a diverse person. Our theories about the world and other people can affect our observations. Remember, when Columbus was exploring the New World he thought he was gathering knowledge about unknown areas in Asia. In activism, self-awareness can solve many problems. So next time when you discuss a topic with a friend try to reflect on the part of your personal background that could be influential for your opinion!

Knowledge About Me and Society

We need activism to change our society. But also, activism changes us. One could say that it mainly changes our perspective on the world and less the world itself.

Garyfallenia from Greece said:

“There are a lot of times when I avoid talking [to people who have an opposing opinion], because sometimes I feel that they are not going to lead anywhere. But I usually give it a try to listen to them, expecting to listen to something different and that they have maybe changed, but especially to give myself the chance to deal with my patience and my skills. And the good thing is that I can see a bit (at least) of a change in both.”

We also need to be aware of the changes that are happening within us as well as the changes that are happening around us.

So, reflect yourself:
How did you change? And what makes you change?

Target Group

When we embrace activism, we intend to make a difference in something or someone’s life. This means that we focus on a target group.

The global disability movement has the slogan “nothing for us without us”. If you don’t have members of the target group in your group’s activities, at least make sure that you are well aware of the characteristics of the target group you are working for. It is always better to talk with the people you’re trying to help and not about them. And if you feel insecure because you don’t want to offend them, be open and listen to them and learn from them.
Actions that reproduce stereotypes about the target groups they are supposed to support, unfortunately fill a very long list.

Have you ever experienced this by yourself? That someone wanted your best but it definitely wasn’t what you thought would be good for you?

Awareness Raising

Spread knowledge to communities.

Knowledge is the currency in the marketplace of activism. Awareness raising campaigns are fundamental for any type of activism. Remember, when you change the knowledge in a community, you change the attitude of the community towards an issue and, in doing so, you create action. Knowledge gives you the power of persuasion.

What was a real eye opener for you? How about sharing that knowledge with other people today?

Read the personal experience of Eszter in Fruits for Thought!

Persuasion

Usually, opinions are not easily changed because people have deeply rooted beliefs and values. Therefore, to influence someone, try to change the knowledge that supports their opinion.

Persuasion is the ability to influence someone’s actions. Αll people feel good when their actions are in harmony with their beliefs. Usually, beliefs are not easily changed. Imagine you’re in a conversation with someone who believes that gender disparities in the workplace are exaggerated or not a significant issue. Rather than immediately challenging their viewpoint, you could suggest they explore gender pay gap statistics and research on workplace discrimination. Encourage them to read about personal experiences and accounts of women in various industries who have faced gender-based challenges. By guiding them towards a better understanding of the extensive knowledge and lived experiences of individuals affected by gender inequality, you may help them reconsider their beliefs and become more actively supportive of gender equality initiatives. Real change occurs when others are free, and not forced, to change their views by realising their beliefs are no longer based on usable knowledge. New knowledge will create different emotions and other kinds of action.

Have you ever experienced that, when you try to move someone from a position, you yourself may shift a little from yours?

Lack of Trust in State

Activism is the child of civil society and the failure of the state. Sometimes our actions may be directed against the government itself. But does our lack of confidence in the state comes from a lack of knowledge about it or the State’s actions?

In a functioning democracy, questioning the government and engaging with political institutions is a privilege that fosters accountability and transparency. Trustworthy information from officials is accessible, allowing citizens to participate actively in shaping their society. However, in autocratic states, such actions can be perilous, often resulting in consequences for those who challenge authority. It’s crucial to assess the potential risks involved and decide personally if you’re prepared to take a stand for your beliefs, considering the stakes involved in activism for change in such environments.

Gilberto from Italy said:

“I work with a local association that prevents poor families who can’t afford the rent from being evicted by the town’s government. We gather outside the house and we physically stop the police from evicting families. We fight for the right of everyone to have proper accommodation in town.”

At times our actions may also reduce public trust in the state. Giacomo from Italy experienced the redevelopment of an abandoned park in his city by his active neighbours: “What happened to the park? The municipality forgot about it for years.”

But before planning any action, we should be very well aware of the structure of the state, its functions and its services that can act as a catalyst in our efforts for a more just society.

Deyar from Germany had the opportunity to become familiar with the functions of the state and the work of politicians. This experience changed his attitude:

“I could never believe the authorities and lacked confidence in politicians and police officers. I felt like all politicians are working for their interests and are corrupt. Until August 2022 when I did an internship at the North Rhine Westphalia parliament. I applied and a politician accepted my application. So I started my internship and the politician explained to me everything in the parliament and I had the chance to accompany him to many meetings with other politicians. I got more confident with the knowledge I received every time in the parliament. In addition I had underrated the work of politicians and now I have more confidence in the politicians and more hope.”

Sometimes it is better to seek partners in the state than to tear it down.

Can you find partners in your state?