Ignorance and the Fear of Knowledge

Ignorance is a POWERFUL drug that when people take it, is more powerful than any crack cocaine.

Ignorance is a powerful narcotic that seeps into the veins of even the most educated.

Ignorance, when used correctly, is addictive and hazardous.

And the dangers of ignorance, much like cocaine or heroin or cigarettes, is well known. Growing up, we saw the catch phrases on the after school specials and non profit commercials: "Reading is fundamental"...."A mind is a terrible thing to waste"....you get my drift. So why are people so comfortable, so complacent with being ignorant? By living in said ignorance?

Take, for example, the current situation with universal health care. Now. I personally have not come to a conclusion regarding whether it's a good idea or not. But many people have...most without actually hearing all of the facts therein. I hear the word 'socialism' being thrown around a lot. Is there a possibility that the policy is rooted in socialistic ideals? Possibly. And let's be clear: I'm not saying EITHER OR. When it comes to politics on this level, I stay mum. But moving on...Do a lot of people not KNOW what socialism actually is? Absolutely. I encourage those people to pick up a book and read it before you use the term. And then, if you still feel the same way, be prepared to have a reason why.

That's another thing that perpetuates ignorance on a more base level: the lack of ability to express an opinion without any type of factual base. Opinions are based on one's knowledge...before you can pass them off as facts, you need to know...the facts! See how that works? And I'm not trying to be an ass here...it just does get me vex when people pass off their opinions as facts but they're not based on any factual information. These people are choosing to remain ignorant.

They say that ignorance is bliss. I say ignorance is sad. The lack of desire to seek the knowledge necessary to formulate certain thoughts and beliefs is still a bit mind boggling. We should stop fearing knowledge.

Any thoughts on ignorance?

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