Knowledge, intelligence, and greed ‘rule’ the world. - Proverbial Words • Quote

“ KNOWLEDGE,
INTELLIGENCE,
and GREED ‘rule’
the WORLD. ” - Proverbial Words -

Quote Interpretations:

• In today’s world, power rarely comes from physical force alone. It flows through systems; governments, corporations, financial markets, and technologies. And within these systems, knowledge determines who understands how the system works, intelligence determines who can manipulate, optimize, or redesign it, and greed determines why those systems are often used to accumulate wealth and dominance rather than collective well-being
• For example, complex financial instruments, algorithms, and legal frameworks are understood only by a small group of highly knowledgeable and intelligent actors. These tools, when driven by profit maximization, concentrate power and resources in the hands of a few. The world is not ruled by kings or armies as much as by those who 'know', 'can think strategically', and are made to 'extract advantage'.

• Modern civilization runs on information and technology. Data, algorithms, and scientific knowledge now shape nearly every aspect of life; from economies and elections to social relationships and warfare. Technology itself is neutral, but its direction is often steered by financial incentives. Artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and social media platforms are developed using immense intelligence and knowledge, yet frequently deployed in ways that maximize engagement, profit, and control rather than truth or human flourishing. In essence, technology does not govern humanity directly, but it increasingly conditions human behavior, subtly shaping choices, values, and social norms under the influence of greed.

• At the individual level, the quote can be read as an observation about human nature and self-interest ('greed'). In competitive societies, those who combine understanding with strategic thinking and strong self-interest tend to rise to positions of influence. Ethical restraint, empathy, or wisdom may be admired, but in reality they are not always rewarded. As a result, collective outcomes often reflect the motivations of the most 'ambitious' rather than the most 'virtuous'. And that's the sad truth in today's world of greed and covetousness.

- TemQBS’ Food for Thought