Please help explain this statement from a book (Accumulation)

[SOCRATES]

No, Porks, I have a far better way of dealing with it, because instead of being obligated to give away knowledge under the disguise of a competition, I simply withhold information, and that is much more effective in ensuring the playing field remains as it is. I was never like this, but I am grateful to you and others for the lessons delivered, I assure you.