Chauffeur Knowledge

There are two kinds of knowledge: genuine expertise earned through deep study and practice, and 'chauffeur knowledge' — the ability to perform confidence without real understanding.

• Max Planck's chauffeur had heard the quantum theory lecture so many times he offered to deliver it himself — he had the words but none of the understanding.
• TV news anchors and pundits speak confidently on topics they researched for twenty minutes.
• A consultant who delivers dazzling presentations but has never operated anything in the field they advise on.