Preserving Knowledge and Creating a Living Body of Knowledge: A Vision for the Future

Preserving Knowledge and Creating a Living Body of Knowledge: A Vision for the Future

In our fast-paced world, knowledge is constantly being created and lost. When influential figures like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney pass away, much of their knowledge and insights are lost with them. This loss of knowledge can be detrimental as it means that we may repeat the same mistakes over and over again. However, there are visionaries who are working towards preserving knowledge and creating a living body of knowledge for future generations.

One such visionary is Kei Watanabe, the Co-founder of Glasp. Kei's vision is to preserve knowledge to ensure that we don't repeat the same mistakes. He envisions pools of knowledge for different communities, such as a unique knowledge base for Tokyo or Texas. Each person would have their own knowledge base, allowing for a diverse range of insights and perspectives. With the help of clones, individuals can ask questions and instantly receive opinions and insights based on past Glasp learnings.

The concept of preserving knowledge is not limited to individuals but extends to organizations as well. Microsoft has developed the Human Insights Library (HITS), which aims to create a network of connected evidence and insight. This library allows researchers and product teams to unlock their collective UX power. The nodes in HITS represent individual insights, recommendations, study reports, and curated collections of high-level knowledge based on user research. The connections between nodes represent references made by researchers and data scientists, linking insights and the evidence that supports them.

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of a knowledge library like HITS, it is crucial to have a culture that supports its use. This involves synthesizing insights in a way that optimizes durability and reuse across time. Microsoft has found success in implementing "real-time curation," which integrates curation into the daily research practice and provides tools to support it. This approach not only addresses short-term needs but also creates long-term value.

So, how can we actively contribute to preserving knowledge and creating a living body of knowledge? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Share your knowledge: As Kei Watanabe says, "Share your knowledge. It's the only way to achieve immortality." By sharing our knowledge and insights, we contribute to the collective wisdom of humanity. Whether it's through writing, speaking, or mentoring, each act of sharing adds to the pool of knowledge for future generations.

2. Embrace collaboration and connectivity: Just like HITS connects individual insights to create a network of knowledge, we should actively seek connections and collaborations with others. By working together and sharing our expertise, we can build upon each other's ideas and create a more comprehensive understanding of various subjects.

3. Foster a culture of continuous learning: Knowledge preservation requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Embrace a growth mindset and actively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Engage in conversations, attend conferences, and explore new fields of study. By continuously learning and adapting, you contribute to the growth of knowledge.

In conclusion, preserving knowledge and creating a living body of knowledge is essential for the progress of humanity. Visionaries like Kei Watanabe and organizations like Microsoft are paving the way for a future where knowledge is not lost but preserved and shared. By actively participating in this endeavor and following the actionable advice mentioned above, we can contribute to the collective wisdom of humanity and shape a better future for generations to come.