The Greek myth of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods to give to mankind is layered and profound. The risk he takes and the resulting punishment is to the point of unbearableness.

Whether that price is worth it, that’s for everyone to decide. The price of great, even hidden knowledge.

I remembered a few people mocking me for my perceived lack of knowledge. They have no idea. We are more than our resumes, Facebook page, and LinkedIn profile.

Is knowledge for its own sake sufficient?

And even when it’s used for the benefit of others?

I am not totally sure but the saying that it is power rings tellingly true. Much of what people call “thought leadership” today is nothing more than regurgitating recycled ideas or putting a new spin on something proven not to work.

To really be effective, there must be an intersection of several factors – right place, time, opportunity, and requisite skills. And that is all costly to acquire and implement.

History proves it. The great achievements reflect that truth.

Worth it?

Ask the ones who benefit. They will likely say yes.

The tale of Prometheus has a redeeming postscript – the great Hercules rescues him from his terrible punishment and sets him free.

As I write and collect what I know for my children, much of it in faith, there is a sense of peace and hope that it will pay off somehow and someday.

This isn’t a competition but I’ll say this again – no cross, no crown. Others who have experienced less pain have already reaped the benefit. I wanted mine to count – for my greatest treasures.