Explicit Quote by Michael Polanyi
“While tacit knowledge can be possessed by itself, explicit knowledge must rely on being tacitly understood and applied. Hence all knowledge is either tacit or rooted in tacit knowledge. A wholly explicit knowledge is unthinkable.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Tacit Dimension, 1966
Knowledge exists on a spectrum; tacit knowledge is inherent, while explicit knowledge depends on tacit understanding to be meaningful.
In simple terms: All knowledge is rooted in tacit understanding.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tacit basis of explicit knowledge.
Themes
knowledge theory
epistemology
learning
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education design
- skill training
- knowledge management
- organizational learning
Key Concepts
tacit vs explicit
cognitive science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you make tacit knowledge explicit?
- What are the limits of formalizing knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Purely explicit knowledge is unrealistic in practice.
![“Without initiation into the scientific spirit one is not in possession of the best tools humanity has so far devised for effectively directed reflection. [Without these one] fails to understand the full meaning of knowledge.” quote by John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6a4/john-dewey-545_failing_without-initiation-into-the-scientific-s_2108619.jpg)
