The value of knowledge

Adam Smith, in Chapter IV of the Wealth of Nations proposes two types of value in a commodity: value in exchange and value in use.

Knowledge, it should be accepted, is a commodity whose value is revealed in both exchange and use, but ultimately in use, for the exchange of knowledge is conducted to allow an increase of its use by a greater number of individuals. However, many a man will take great pride in his accumulation of knowledge, assuming value merely in the possession of knowledge. However, if the individual takes no action to put to use the earned knowledge, its inherent value is lost. For example, when I am reading a book with the title, Wealth of Nations, and begin to be distracted from the principles taught, by the mere pleasure of citing in company that I am reading such a dignified title, then I lose the true value I could have gained from taking note of its principles for future action based on further enlightenment the chapters could provide.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

-- Proverbs 16: 18-19 (KJV)