In other words, without knowing the state of society, how can things ever get any better?

I knew the state of the house fully, having looked in on it only a few weeks earlier.

Anyone who gives advice is expected to know the current state of the art in the field.

What has he done to get to know the state?

I know the state of mind you're in, old man.

Was it possible ever to know the true state of things?

In the game, they never know the exact state of the nature.

"After all, we already know the state of your health."

How could anyone know the true state of the woman when the medication had gone on for so long?

In fact, knowing the current state of things, it might not be working at all.