The value of practice

The following story demonstrates the sometimes-negative power of knowledge without practice:

"Johnny did not see the need to practice hard;

he was very bright and always understood quickly.

He read the classics so that he could sound as eloquent as his teacher.

Wanting to be knowing in all things,

Johnny read a history book or two and was able to converse brilliantly about history.

Johnny read an economics book or two and was able to speak knowingly about economics.

Johnny read a few books about swimming...and Johnny drowned."