Benjamin Franklin, a renowned inventor and scientist, once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Franklin meant that acquiring knowledge is a valuable investment that results in great rewards if used wisely. He believes that having more knowledge makes a person better prepared to make better choices and accomplish their goals in life. One such promoter of knowledge was Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Einstein's scientific expertise led him to state, "Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act." Einstein intended that people with knowledge should use their wisdom to act and improve society. While some agree with Einstein …show more content…
‘I think everybody needed to know what had happened to Emmett Till.’” Emmett’s lynching provoked his mother, Mamie Till, and with the help of friends and family, Mamie used her son’s death to fight against segregation in the United States. By acting, Mamie allowed many black leaders to follow in her footsteps and fight against segregation and civil rights. Although acting for society is an honorable feat, acting comes with consequences. For example, in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Ponyboy and Johnny jump into a burning church to save a group of children stuck inside the church. While they successfully save the children, the church collapses, and a pillar falls onto Johnny. The pillar breaks Johnny’s back and causes him to get hospitalized, and he later dies. Consequently, while some argue that acting creates a better society, Einstein is incorrect in that those with knowledge should act. Lastly, Einstein’s quote is refutable because those who do not benefit from sharing their knowledge should not