Acquisition Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“Knowledge is theory. We should be thankful if action of management is based on theory. Knowledge has temporal spread. Information is not knowledge. The world is drowning in information but is slow in acquisition of knowledge. There is no substitute for knowledge.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Management Practices, W. Edwards Deming, 1970s
Knowledge is abstract and timeless, while action based on theory is valuable; information alone does not equal knowledge, and true knowledge cannot be replaced.
In simple terms: Theory is timeless, action based on it is valuable; information ≠ knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize theory‑driven action over raw data.
Themes
knowledge
management
information
theory
action
Mood
reflective
analytical
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
professional
When to use this quote
- strategic planning
- process improvement
- leadership development
- training programs
Key Concepts
epistemology
organizational learning
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance theory with real‑world feedback?
- When does information become useful knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Theory may become outdated; over‑reliance on theory can ignore practical realities.
![“[Knowledge is governed not by] a theory of knowledge, but by a theory of discursive practice.” quote by Michel Foucault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/94f/michel-foucault-1134_knowledge_knowledge-is-governed-not-by-a-theory-of_311510.jpg)
![“No one suffers so much as he [the genius] with the people, and, therefore, for the people, with whom he lives. For, in a certain sense, it is certainly only "by suffering" that a man knows. If compassion is not itself clear, abstractly conceivable or visibly symbolic knowledge, it is, at any rate…” quote by Otto Weininger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bec/otto-weininger-11319_acquisition_no-one-suffers-so-much-as-he-the-genius_20597.jpg)
