Know how know why

“Those who know how, work for those who know why” is a very interesting statement; but what does it mean? It may be obvious that this statement can be interpreted in many ways. However, I believe the most logical analysis of this comment is as follows. Humans who think up ideas are often the ones who are set on pedestals, and those who create the 'idea' are simply using their skills to assist the inventor. All of this relates to critical thinking in the sense that without the inventors of the world our working hierarchy would not exist, and our society would not be nearly as advanced as it currently is. A perfect example of this statement would be Bill Gates.

In 1975 Bill Gates and his friend and partner (Paul Allen) officially created the Microsoft Corporation. This semi small time corporation grew out of control over the years, and Gates now is worth an estimated 53 billion dollars. Gates was obviously an idea man. Him and Allen both set out with the simple idea of making the computer industry bigger and better. In doing so they have employed thousands of people. These thousands of people know how to put together, program, and sell computers but they are not the idea men. Hence why Bill Gates is a perfect example of the quote stated above. This idea can be applied to religious followings as well.

For instance Gautama or 'the Buddha' always had a flock of followers, because those around him cherished his ideas. The Buddha taught his doctrine and shared his ideas and then those who knew how to work his ideas lived by them and spread him. The Buddah was 'enlightened' and knew why and how he had reached this level of peace (and it was very much by critical thinking). Others wanted to reach that level so they did as the Buddha taught. Again this is a perfect example of putting the given phrase into context. Furthermore this quote can be carried to smaller businesses (meaning smaller than Microsoft).

It is obvious that humans have a natural want to be the best. Those who compete for the better grades in school are ultimately competing for their spot as a boss in the work world. The more intelligent, well rounded, and creative you throughout your school years the more likely you are to succeed in the work world. On the other hand those who do not push themselves to learn generally stick with what they do know and allow others to instruct them at work. It could be argued that some succeed without any true brilliance, however in a study done by RePEc statistics have shown that competence really does effect the success of a business.

Overall it would seem that those who are true free thinkers, and those who are critical thinkers are the people who will excel in life. As long as the world continues to invent the man kind will continue to maintain it's working hierarchy; and those who know how will continue to follow those who know why.