As a former career intelligence professional, I have a profound

In the powerful words of John O. Brennan, "As a former career intelligence professional, I have a profound appreciation for the value of intelligence. Intelligence disrupts terrorist plots and thwarts attacks. Intelligence saves lives," we are reminded of the critical role that knowledge, in its most strategic and tactical form, plays in safeguarding the lives of individuals and nations. Brennan, a man deeply embedded in the world of intelligence, speaks from experience about the power of intelligence to uncover threats before they manifest, to prevent disaster, and to protect the innocent from harm. This wisdom echoes through the annals of history, where the pursuit of knowledge has often been the difference between survival and destruction.

In the ancient world, intelligence was not simply the ability to learn or memorize facts; it was the art of perception, of understanding the deeper currents of life and society, and of using that understanding to shape events. The Greeks—most notably Sun Tzu in his work The Art of War—spoke of the power of information in warfare, stating that "All warfare is based on deception." Sun Tzu recognized that intelligence, the gathering of hidden truths, and the interpretation of those truths were paramount to victory. Just as the wise warrior must know his enemy, so too must the defenders of a society be vigilant in their pursuit of intelligence. Brennan’s words about intelligence being essential to disrupting threats are rooted in this ancient wisdom—the power of foresight and understanding.

The role of intelligence in saving lives can be traced through numerous moments in history. One need only look to the Second World War, when breaking enemy codes became a key part of the Allied strategy. The Enigma machine, used by Nazi Germany to encrypt their communications, was famously cracked by Alan Turing and his team at Bletchley Park. This breakthrough in intelligence gathering allowed the Allies to thwart German attacks, save countless lives, and ultimately shift the course of the war. Turing’s work was not just a triumph of mathematics; it was the embodiment of how intelligence—whether through code-breaking, espionage, or gathering information—could be the deciding factor between life and death. Brennan’s appreciation for intelligence is a recognition that this same knowledge continues to be one of the most valuable assets in the modern world.

In the realm of national security, intelligence has always been crucial to the defense of the state. The Roman Empire, for example, depended on intelligence to maintain its vast reach and protect its borders. Spies were essential to uncovering threats from within and outside the empire. The Julius Caesar who marched across the world was as much a master of intelligence as he was a military leader. His campaigns were guided not only by his skill in battle but by his understanding of the forces at play around him—whether they were political movements, rival factions, or shifting alliances. Intelligence was not merely a tool of war but a means of preserving stability and ensuring the empire's survival.

Brennan’s words point to an undeniable truth: in times of peril, intelligence is the lifeblood that sustains us. It is not just the information itself but how we use that information that can change the course of history. Knowledge, when properly gathered, interpreted, and acted upon, has the power to prevent catastrophic events. Just as intelligence has prevented countless terrorist attacks in modern times, so too has it shaped the trajectory of civilizations throughout the ages. Whether through espionage, surveillance, or strategic analysis, intelligence enables leaders to act preemptively, to mitigate threats, and to make decisions that safeguard both the individual and the collective.

The lesson to be learned from Brennan’s quote is one of vigilance and responsibility. We are each, in our own way, engaged in a form of intelligence gathering in our daily lives—whether it is through the way we interact with others, how we understand our communities, or how we make decisions that affect our families and workplaces. Just as Brennan emphasizes the importance of intelligence in protecting lives on a global scale, so must we value awareness and foresight in our own decisions. Knowledge is not just power; it is a tool that enables us to act wisely, to avoid danger, and to build a future that is not dictated by chance but by informed action.

The practical action we can take is to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness in our own lives. Just as intelligence professionals rely on gathering, analyzing, and using information to safeguard lives, we too can use the power of knowledge to make better decisions, to anticipate challenges, and to protect those we care about. Whether it’s in the realm of national security, personal relationships, or professional endeavors, let us remember that knowledge—when used responsibly—has the power to not only shape the future but to safeguard the present. Let us never underestimate the importance of intelligence in every aspect of life, and let it guide our actions toward creating a safer, more informed world.