Which of these two qualities contribute more to a person's competency: knowledge or experience?

Question

I realize that each situation could warrant a different choice; however, disregarding individual situations, which would you choose?

Answer 1

More? Experience.

Answer 2

I think it depends; Knowledge would be more important to competency for sciences, engineering, mathematics etc. where the answers are probably absolute and are not open to debate once proven. Experience is not required.

Experience would probably be better for social issues such as parenting, dating, or relating to others where the answer is not so cut and dry, with only one answer.

Its difficult to seperate the two though; as how does one gain experience without gaining knowledge. So I'm assuming you are more referring to what would be called booksmarts versus streetsmarts...

Answer 3

First you need competence to deal with an issue and from that we do acquire knowledge and understanding ,and the experience is gained with practise that come from either trial and errors . So I would combine all of them in order to be complete!

I cannot choose one I need them all!

Answer 4

Of course knowledge is useful, but experience is the best human quality because it is one of the few things in life that you don't get until just after you need it.

Answer 5

the greatest knowlege comes from EXPERIENCE.

Text book learning does not nessisarily give someone competency. It is only wheny they APPLY that learning that it becomes something TANGIBLE.

EG. Knowlege of where keys are placed on a key board does not give anyone the ability to touch type. Only the experience of using them HANDS ON will.

For this reason, I would say EXPERIENCE would tip the balance.

Answer 6

I think that experience gives you knowledge. So I think that experience is more important, because even if you have education or knowledge, you may not be skilled. But if you have experience, you will have gained that knowledge, so now you have both.

Answer 7

well that's a hard one!
you have knowlege on stuff and that helps you socialize because you know what they are talking about!
Yet experiences give you first hand knowlege ! there for can be turned into whatever!

so I guess knowlege sence it was brought up twice is the winner!

Answer 8

experience. What is the purpose of knowledge if you don't put it to use? On the other hand, experience shows that you have put you knowledge to use.

Answer 9

I personally value wisdom slightly higher than knowledge... but without one.. the other is useless in all honesty.

Answer 10

I'll take the smart guy for $400, Alex.