This quote emphasizes the idea that experts should be seen as resources rather than authoritative figures. The phrase “on tap” suggests that experts should be available to share their knowledge when needed, like water from a tap. The phrase “not on top” implies that experts should not be in a position of superiority where they dictate or control others based on their expertise.

This concept could be applied in various settings, such as in a workplace or an educational institution. For instance, in a company, instead of having a top-down management style where decisions are made solely by those at the top, it might be more beneficial to have a more collaborative approach. Here, the expert or the leader could provide guidance and share their knowledge, but the final decisions could be made collectively, taking into account the inputs and perspectives of all team members.

In the context of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a reminder to remain humble and open-minded, even if one becomes an expert in a certain field. It suggests that being an expert is not about asserting dominance or superiority, but about being a resource that others can learn from. It also implies that everyone, regardless of their level of expertise, has something valuable to contribute, and that learning is a continuous and collaborative process.

In today’s world where information is readily available, the role of experts is shifting from being the sole source of knowledge to being facilitators who guide others in navigating through this vast amount of information. This quote, therefore, remains highly relevant as it underscores the importance of collaboration, humility, and continuous learning.