I Don't Want to Rely on the Good Graces of Other Humans

The writer's desire to work hard was fueled large and part in part to avoid poverty. He continues, precious knowledge this for any man to possess. So he's telling you, listen, I may not know the intricacies of how my factory works down to every little detail, but I do understand humans. And that is a very valuable skill when you need to organize a bunch of them to work towards the same goal.