"He will therefore have to use what knowledge he can achieve, not to shape the results as the craftsman shapes his handiwork, but rather to cultivate a growth by providing the appropriate environment, in the manner in which the gardener does this for his plants"
- Friedrich August von Hayek
About this Quote
This quote by Friedrich August von Hayek speaks with the concept of understanding and its application. He recommends that knowledge should not be utilized to control the result of a circumstance, as a craftsman would do with his workmanship, but rather to develop an environment in which development can take place. This resembles the method a garden enthusiast would cultivate a garden, providing the right environment for the plants to grow. Hayek is suggesting that knowledge must be used to develop an environment in which growth can happen, rather than to control the outcome. This idea is applicable to numerous locations of life, from business to education. By developing the best environment, we can promote growth and advancement, instead of attempting to control the outcome.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"