“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”
So true.
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“Cult of ignorance” is such an apt turn of phrase. How I wish it weren’t so.
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It certainly applies now.
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For me, Liz, the bit about one man’s ignorance being equal to another man’s knowledge is very insightful. This is sadly true and the development of the idea that trying is enough even if you don’t actually achieve and that everyone is equal and worthy of reward regardless of actual output has created the culture of entitlement that is so prevalent today. I despair at work these days and have no idea how the youngsters are ever going to keep businesses going with their attitudes of pacing themselves so that they don’t have to work to hard or take on anything extra. How do you learn like that? How do you become fully competent if you limit your expose to things?
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Robbie, you make an excellent point!
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I see the culture of entitlement in higher education as well: I paid for the course; I deserve an A. Why did you take points away from my 100? Limiting your exposure to things in the workplace usually results in some very bad decisions because you’re not taking all of the relevant factors into account.
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excellent point!
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Still true, more than ever.
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Yes, it is.
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That’s no science fiction.
In fact, it’s profoundly right on.
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Yes, it is.
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Don’t trust a person wearing a bow tie 🙂
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A most insightful comment and certainly not limited to America.
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I agree. I think it applies everywhere.
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“..And there always has been”…. Perhaps why education of K-12 is free in this country. But we have to WANT it. Perhaps Covid has started teaching us the value of education which we have forgotten, complained about, and even had to utilize police to reduce truancy of… Maybe now kids in wealthier countries can understand those in the Third World who walk hours, climb mountains, scale cliffs, ford dangerous rivers, and go to school malnourished in order to just LEARN…
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KC, well said! Education is devalued in this nation, and it needs to be a focus.
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What an insightful man.
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Yes, he was.
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Reblogged this on poetry, photos and musings oh my! and commented:
Most timely, Charles. We all need to read and heed the message. The budget needs to put Education as a top priority. Alas, under the current regime, that won’t happen.
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Lea, unfortunately, you are correct. We need to focus on education, medical help, and research.
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I do hope you include mental health care along with the medical help. The need is overwhelmingly obvious. Can we start with eliminating those tax cuts and get the taxes for the one-percent up where they should be, a slash to military funding and NASA. Then let us rexamine all those who are “Tax exempt” for starters.
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Yes, I certainly would include mental health care.
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“Science gathers knowledge faster than society gains wisdom.” How true!
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Yes, it is.
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🙂
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As always, your observations/quotes are spot-on (yep includes t.rump democracy post)
Science is not our enemy – geesh.
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thank you!
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Oh how cutting. And sadly apt.
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Yes, they are.
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Not much left to be said after this. So many are so proud of their ignorance. Brilliant observation.
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Unfortunately, too many people are.
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So true, and pointing the nail quote. The “Cult of Ignorance” is the sadiest ever, these times too. Michael
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Yes, it is extremely sad.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you!
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Wow, his words are more relevant today than ever. Somehow, I don’t think he’d be happy with the current state of affairs, and wonder if he saw any resolution to the “my ignorance is as good as your knowledge” mentality.
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I agree. I do not think he would be happy with the state of the world.
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