Meaning
What does The More You Know mean?
The phrase The More You Know is a popular saying that conveys the idea that acquiring knowledge is beneficial and enlightening.
It implies that the more information and wisdom you possess, the better equipped you are to navigate through life successfully. This catchy phrase has become a mantra for those who believe in lifelong learning and the importance of gaining knowledge in various aspects of life.
Example: Imagine you are at a dinner party, and a debate about the existence of aliens breaks out. Your friend confidently states that extraterrestrials are among us, disguising themselves as penguins. You, armed with the knowledge you gained from hours of watching educational documentaries, confidently refute their claim. You take a moment to bask in the glory of being part of “The More You Know” brigade.
Origin
What's the origin of The More You Know?
The origin of “The More You Know” can be traced back to a public service announcement campaign launched by the United States’ NBC television network in 1989.
These short informational segments were created to educate the public on a wide range of topics, including health, safety, and environmental issues. The segments typically ended with a star shooting across the screen, accompanied by the iconic jingle, leaving viewers with a valuable piece of knowledge and the tagline “The More You Know.”
This campaign became hugely popular among American viewers, and “The More You Know” slogan quickly transcended its original purpose, becoming a catchphrase representing the importance of continuous learning and the sharing of knowledge to create a more informed society.
In 1990, it was even parodied by Conan O’Brien in his Late Night Show, further increasing the PSA’s popularity.
Spread & Usage
How did The More You Know spread?
Thanks to the powerful influence of NBC and the memorable catchphrase, “The More You Know” quickly made its way into popular culture. It became a staple reference in various forms of media, including TV shows, movies, commercials, and even internet memes. It featured a wide range of celebrities, as well as US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
The phrase has gained universal recognition as a symbol of the quest for knowledge and the power of education.
Today, “The More You Know” is not only associated with the NBC campaign, but it has also become a catchphrase for internet users who seek to share their knowledge and wisdom on social media platforms. From life hacks to trivia facts, the internet is filled with people proclaiming “The More You Know” as they bestow their nuggets of wisdom upon the masses, usually accompanied by the iconic star shooting across the screen, brought back nostalgically or playfully by meme creators.

External resources
- Know Your Meme – The More You Know
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Tenor – The More You Know GIFs