Data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding

The digital age commenced in the mid-20th century and since we have seen approximately exponential growth in information. This period has also seen the rapid growth of computer technology that has facilitated, for instance, the derivation of whole genomes and automated drug discovery. Data, information, knowledge and wisdom lay the foundations for understanding how experience is formed from evidence and observations. When data are put into context, the resultant information can drive growth and further contribute to increased knowledge. Appreciating the source of data enables us to recognize and hopefully correct for inherent error and bias. Ultimately knowledge discovery can be automated to gain information from data and so on, enhancing our understanding of a given subject and expanding collective wisdom.