--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Knowledge will give you power, but…" description: "\"Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.\" — Bruce Lee" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg" --- # Knowledge will give you power, but character respect. ![“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” quote by Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg) > “Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Knowledge empowers, but character earns lasting respect and influence. **In simple terms:** Knowledge gives power; character gives respect. Key Takeaway Cultivate character alongside knowledge. Themes knowledge power character respect influence Mood inspirational thoughtful philosophical Type advice motivational When to use this quote - teaching - public speaking - personal mentorship Key Concepts personal development leadership martial arts Questions to Reflect On - What character traits do you value most? - How can you demonstrate them daily? A Different Perspective Knowledge alone can be hollow without integrity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Character Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character-respect-401950/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Knowledge Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge-power/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Power Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power-character-4287911/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/) ## Related quotes > [Knowledge earns you power, character earns you respect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/knowledge-earns-you-power-character-earns-you-respect/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [In the world of 'Power,' no good deed goes unpunished. I don't really look at it as karma in the world of 'Power.' Whenever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lela-loren/in-the-world-of-power-no-good-deed-goes-unpunished-i-don-t-really/) [Lela Loren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lela-loren/) > [“The position you have occupied, will test the power of your character.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-nyarangi-akoya/the-position-you-have-occupied-will-test-the-power-of-your-character/) [JOEL NYARANGI AKOYA](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-nyarangi-akoya/) > [Energy of will may be defined to be the very central power of character in a man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-smiles/energy-of-will-may-be-defined-to-be-the-very-central-power-of/) [Samuel Smiles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-smiles/) > [“We spend the first couple of decades of our lives trying to figure out who the hell we are. Some people never find out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-rensin/we-spend-the-first-couple-of-decades-of-our-lives-trying-to-figure/) [David Rensin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-rensin/) > [Losing respect for someone is not reversible; when its lost its lost, it's gone. It's not a misunderstanding, it's a choice, a person's decision…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/danny-santagato/losing-respect-for-someone-is-not-reversible-when-its-lost-its-lost/) [Danny Santagato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/danny-santagato/) > [ I just really like the characte \[Jasper Hale\], and I love the story \[Twiglight\], I think it's a very strong character and I respect… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jackson-rathbone/i-just-really-like-the-characte-jasper-hale-and-i-love-the-story/) [Jackson Rathbone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jackson-rathbone/) > [The only way to change the world is to change the main character of our story - the one we believe that we are.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-angel-ruiz/the-only-way-to-change-the-world-is-to-change-the-main-character-of/) [Miguel Angel Ruiz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-angel-ruiz/) > [I love to win more than death I love my destination more than anyone I don't love to lose my feelings otherwise I lose…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rana-danish/i-love-to-win-more-than-death-i-love-my-destination-more-than-anyone/) [Rana Danish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rana-danish/) > [If you want to test someones character, give him respect. If he has good character, he will respect you more, if he has bad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bilal-zahoor/if-you-want-to-test-someones-character-give-him-respect-if-he-has/) [Bilal Zahoor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bilal-zahoor/) > [“No, that was really lame of me.” Gray lifted her shoulders up and down. “The rules are in place for a reason. It shows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikki-jefford/no-that-was-really-lame-of-me-gray-lifted-her-shoulders-up-and-down/) [Nikki Jefford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikki-jefford/) > [Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-boyce/knowledge-is-power-knowledge-shared-is-power-multiplied/) [Robert Boyce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-boyce/) > [Knowledge is power and enthusiasm pulls the switch.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-droke/knowledge-is-power-and-enthusiasm-pulls-the-switch/) [Steve Droke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-droke/) > [I ... must continue to strive for more knowledge and more power, though the new knowledge always contradicts the old and the new power…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/i-must-continue-to-strive-for-more-knowledge-and-more-power-though/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [Knowledge is power...knowled ge is safety...knowle dge is happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/knowledge-is-power-knowled-ge-is-safety-knowle-dge-is-happiness/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More by Bruce Lee > [Do not like, do not dislike; all will then be clear. Make a hairbreadth difference and heaven and earth are set apart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/do-not-like-do-not-dislike-all-will-then-be-clear-make-a-hairbreadth/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [The great mistake is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/the-great-mistake-is-to-anticipate-the-outcome-of-the-engagement-you/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [The more aware you become, the more you shed from day to day what you have learned so that your mind is always fresh…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/the-more-aware-you-become-the-more-you-shed-from-day-to-day-what-you/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [The usefulness of the cup is its emptiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/the-usefulness-of-the-cup-is-its-emptiness/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [My style? You can call it the art of fighting without fighting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/my-style-you-can-call-it-the-art-of-fighting-without-fighting/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [The founder of any branch must be more ingenious than the common man. However, if his achievement is not carried on by disciples of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/the-founder-of-any-branch-must-be-more-ingenious-than-the-common-man/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [I don't believe in different ways of fighting now. I mean, unless human beings have 3 arms and 3 legs, then we will have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/i-don-t-believe-in-different-ways-of-fighting-now-i-mean-unless-human/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [Be a practical dreamer backed by action.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/be-a-practical-dreamer-backed-by-action/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/in-order-to-taste-my-cup-of-water-you-must-first-empty-your-cup/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [Truth comes when your mind and heart are purged of all sense of striving and you are no longer trying to become somebody; it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/truth-comes-when-your-mind-and-heart-are-purged-of-all-sense-of/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [A person cannot forget someone who is good to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/a-person-cannot-forget-someone-who-is-good-to-them/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [The highest art is no art. The highest form is no form](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/the-highest-art-is-no-art-the-highest-form-is-no-form/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [To live is a constant process of relating, so come on out of that shell of isolation and conclusion, and relate DIRECTLY to what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/to-live-is-a-constant-process-of-relating-so-come-on-out-of-that/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [I hope martial artists are more interested in the root of martial arts and not the different decorative branches, flowers or leaves. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/i-hope-martial-artists-are-more-interested-in-the-root-of-martial/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) > [Art lives where absolute freedom is, because where it is not, there can be no creativity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/art-lives-where-absolute-freedom-is-because-where-it-is-not-there-can/) [Bruce Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) [Explore all 562 Bruce Lee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/) ## More Character quotes > [This may sound strange, but although I feel like I know everything about my characters, the brand of shampoo they use, how many cavities…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-honeyman/this-may-sound-strange-but-although-i-feel-like-i-know-everything/) [Gail Honeyman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-honeyman/) > [I always like a character who makes me laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachael-stirling/i-always-like-a-character-who-makes-me-laugh/) [Rachael Stirling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachael-stirling/) > [Social responsibility above the level of family, or at most of tribe, requires imagination-- devotion, loyalty, all the higher virtues -- which a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/social-responsibility-above-the-level-of-family-or-at-most-of-tribe/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) > [I'm often moved by the circumstances around some of my characters, but I don't think I've actually cried watching myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-winslet/i-m-often-moved-by-the-circumstances-around-some-of-my-characters-but/) [Kate Winslet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-winslet/) > [When you're on a daytime drama you get one page, you better damn well know your character. You better know what she would do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hudgins/when-you-re-on-a-daytime-drama-you-get-one-page-you-better-damn-well/) [David Hudgins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hudgins/) > [It can sometimes make people fold into themselves and kind of run away, but I think in this case these characters are being forced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-deschanel/it-can-sometimes-make-people-fold-into-themselves-and-kind-of-run/) [Emily Deschanel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-deschanel/) > [If you are well-mannered towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be said to exhibit a fairly good character. But, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-you-are-well-mannered-towards-those-whose-views-are-similar-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. 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And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/courage-the-most-important-of-all-the-virtues-because-without-courage/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) [Browse all 32,707 Character quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bruce Lee" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-character-respect/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Character" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-character-respect/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb6/bruce-lee-430_character_knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-charac_2209165.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” — Bruce Lee", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Bruce Lee", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-lee/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Knowledge will give you power, but...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-character-respect/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-lee/knowledge-will-give-you-power-but-character-respect/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```