This quote is suggesting that simply providing financial assistance to someone in poverty doesn’t necessarily help them in the long run. It might alleviate immediate hardships, but it doesn’t address the root causes of their poverty. The idea is that without the right knowledge or skills, they’ll continue to be dependent on others for financial support.

On the other hand, if you provide them with knowledge – whether that’s education, vocational training, financial literacy, or other essential skills – they’re more likely to be able to lift themselves out of poverty. The knowledge they gain can help them find better job opportunities, manage their finances more effectively, and become self-sufficient.

In this perspective, knowledge is seen as a more sustainable solution to poverty. It’s like the old proverb, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

In today’s world, this idea could be applied in various ways. For instance, in social welfare programs, instead of just providing financial aid, there could be more emphasis on education and skill development programs. These could include courses on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or other job-related skills.

In the context of personal development, this quote emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Rather than relying on others for help or getting stuck in a cycle of dependency, it encourages individuals to invest in their own knowledge and skills to become more self-reliant and successful.

In essence, the quote is advocating for empowerment through knowledge, which can lead to lasting change and improvement, rather than temporary relief through financial aid.