Knowledge is power

Meaning: Education and learning give you strength and advantage.

Origin: Francis Bacon wrote ipsa scientia potestas est — knowledge itself is power — in his Meditationes Sacrae (1597). The exact Latin form scientia potentia est first appears in the 1668 Latin edition of Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan; Hobbes had worked as Bacon's secretary in his youth.

Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German

  • French: Le savoir, c'est le pouvoir (literally: Knowledge is power)
  • Spanish: El saber es poder (literally: Knowledge is power)
  • Japanese: 知は力なり (Chi wa chikara nari) (literally: Knowledge is power)
  • German: Wissen ist Macht (literally: Knowledge is power)

More proverbs about Wisdom

From our compliments & insults

  • Sei una forza della natura — You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
  • Hai le mani d'oro — You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…
  • Sei una persona d'oro — You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.

Browse all compliments & insults →

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