Knowledge is power, if you know it about the right person.

Ethel Watts Mumford’s quote, “Knowledge is power, if you know it about the right person,” plays on the classic saying that knowledge itself gives one influence. She sharpens it by pointing out that knowledge becomes truly powerful when it is specific and personal—directed at the right person. In other words, having insight or information about individuals, especially those in positions of power, can provide leverage, advantage, or control.

The meaning of this quote lies in its recognition of how knowledge functions in human relationships and social structures. General knowledge may provide education and wisdom, but personal knowledge—such as secrets, character traits, or weaknesses—can shift dynamics of influence. Mumford suggests that the strategic use of information about the right person can become a form of power that changes outcomes, whether in politics, business, or personal life.

The origin of this perspective comes from Mumford’s reputation as a witty American writer and humorist in the early 20th century. Known for her clever turns of phrase and sharp social commentary, she often exposed the ironies of society, relationships, and human ambition. Her reworking of the famous “knowledge is power” maxim reflects her style—adding humor and realism to a well-known truth by showing how power often relies on personal, not just abstract, information.

Ultimately, Mumford’s words remind us that power is not only about what you know, but also about whom you know it about. By reframing the traditional proverb, she captures the strategic side of knowledge and the way it operates within human connections and influence.