Knowledge without wisdom makes education futile

Russell holds in "Knowledge and Wisdom" that education which gives only information and skill, without wisdom, is not enough and can even be harmful. The statement is justified for the following reasons.

1. Knowledge is a power, not a guide. Knowledge tells us how to do things, but wisdom tells us what is worth doing. Without wisdom the power can be used wrongly, as in the making of destructive weapons.
2. Narrow specialisation. Education that trains only experts makes people see one small part of life. They may ignore the effects of their work on society.
3. Lack of moral purpose. Knowledge alone does not produce compassion, impartiality or a sense of proportion. A highly educated person may still be selfish, hateful or fanatical.
4. Danger to humanity. In the modern world, scientific knowledge has increased faster than wisdom, so that the human race faces dangers it cannot control.
5. Does not make good citizens. A nation needs people who can judge public matters fairly. Technical education alone does not teach this.
6. Wisdom completes education. True education should develop both: knowledge for ability and wisdom for right use.

Therefore education that gives knowledge without wisdom fails in its main purpose, which is to make better human beings and a better society.