Knowledge conquered by labor becomes a possession - a property entirely our own

Knowledge conquered by labor becomes a possession - a property entirely our own

Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and reformer, is best known for his writings on self-help and personal development. One of his most famous quotes is, “Knowledge conquered by labor becomes a possession - a property entirely our own.” This quote encapsulates Smiles’ belief in the power of hard work and perseverance in acquiring knowledge and skills.

In the context of Samuel Smiles’ philosophy, the idea that knowledge conquered by labor becomes a possession is a powerful one. Smiles believed that true knowledge and understanding could only be gained through hard work and effort. He rejected the notion that knowledge could be easily acquired or handed down from others. Instead, he argued that true knowledge was something that had to be earned through dedication and perseverance.

According to Smiles, when we put in the effort to acquire knowledge through labor, it becomes a possession that is entirely our own. This means that the knowledge we gain through hard work is not only valuable, but it also becomes a part of who we are. It is something that we have earned through our own efforts, and as a result, we are more likely to value and appreciate it.

Furthermore, Smiles believed that when we acquire knowledge through labor, it becomes a property that we can use to improve our lives and the lives of others. By investing time and effort into learning new skills and gaining new knowledge, we are able to expand our horizons and open up new opportunities for ourselves. This knowledge becomes a valuable asset that we can use to achieve our goals and make a positive impact on the world around us.