Louis Freeh said on national TV that actionable intelligence

In the corridors of power and the quiet chambers of decision-making, the greatest tragic mistakes often arise not from ignorance, but from the failure to act on knowledge when it is most needed. Curt Weldon’s words, “Louis Freeh said on national TV that actionable intelligence could have allowed us to stop the hijackings,” carry the weight of an eternal truth: that knowledge, while powerful, is only effective when it is acted upon decisively. In this statement, Weldon draws our attention to the critical importance of timeliness in the use of information—especially when that information has the potential to prevent great tragedy.

Consider the ancient wisdom of the oracle, who spoke in riddles, offering insight to those brave enough to listen. But even in the face of divine knowledge, the gods themselves knew that information alone could not protect the people; action was required. King Croesus, warned by the oracle that he would destroy a great empire if he attacked Persia, failed to heed the true meaning of the prophecy. He was overwhelmed by his desire for power, acting without the necessary wisdom to understand the warning. The empire he sought to protect fell to ruin because he failed to act on the information in the right manner. This ancient story, like Weldon’s reflection, illustrates that actionable intelligence is only as valuable as the decision to act upon it.

In the same vein, the failure to act on intelligence before the tragic events of 9/11 speaks to the fragility of human systems. It is a bitter reminder that even when warning signs are visible, they are not always heeded. Louis Freeh, the former FBI director, was correct in stating that actionable intelligence—the kind that could have prevented the hijackings—was available, yet the opportunity to prevent disaster slipped through the cracks. Much like ancient prophets whose warnings were ignored or misunderstood, the intelligence community’s knowledge was not enough to stop the storm that was gathering. Inaction, or a failure to act swiftly, allowed the tragedy to unfold.

The lesson is universal, and it speaks not only to the world of national security but to every part of human life. When we are presented with knowledge, whether it comes from experience, insight, or even intuition, it is our responsibility to act. Alexander the Great, in his conquest of the known world, did not merely rely on the intelligence of his scouts and advisors; he acted on that information, often with decisiveness and speed, knowing that delays could cost him dearly. His success did not come from knowing more than others, but from acting upon the knowledge that he had at the right moment.

Consider the story of Winston Churchill during the Second World War, when intelligence about a potential Nazi invasion of Britain reached him. While many in his government were skeptical, Churchill acted upon the warnings and prepared the country for war, strengthening defenses and rallying the people. His decisiveness in the face of intelligence saved Britain from the brink of invasion. Churchill’s actions provide a stark contrast to the failure of inaction. His story is a reminder that information alone, no matter how precise, is insufficient without the courage to act upon it.

The greatest tragedies in history have often been preventable, but only if the wisdom of the present moment is met with the courage to make decisions. In 9/11, the world was forever changed because the actionable intelligence was not fully utilized in time. Weldon’s quote, therefore, is not just a statement about a particular event; it is a call to action for all of us. In our personal lives, when we face moments of insight, of awareness, we must ask ourselves: will we take action? Or will we let the opportunity slip by, as countless opportunities have in history, leaving us with the bitter taste of regret?

Thus, the lesson of Weldon’s words is one that transcends politics and national security. It is about the power of acting on knowledge, of having the courage to face difficult decisions, and the wisdom to use the information we have for the greater good. Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, intelligence without action is merely a sword that remains sheathed. We must learn to draw that sword when the time is right, for it is only through swift action that we can turn knowledge into real change. Let the story of 9/11 serve as both a warning and a guide—information, when used correctly, has the power to save, to protect, and to change the course of history. But that power is only unlocked when we choose to act.