Comments on: Ignorance is Dangerous

By: Technology and Trivia — Frozen Toothpaste

Technology and Trivia — Frozen Toothpaste — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:31:28 +0000

[…] I begin sounding like someone advocating ignorance — which we know I would never do — let’s be clear. If a healthy person didn’t know how to breathe, […]

By: Frozen Toothpaste | OPW: The Ethics of Belief

Frozen Toothpaste | OPW: The Ethics of Belief — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:54:05 +0000

[…] I’ve been writing about ignorance, I thought a quote on a similar topic was in order. This quotation, from W. K. Clifford, […]

By: Frozen Toothpaste | Distinguishing Among the Ignorant

Frozen Toothpaste | Distinguishing Among the Ignorant — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:44:11 +0000

[…] recent piece entitled “Ignorance is Dangerous” was essentially an angry condemnation of ignorance and the ignorant. In that piece, however, […]

By: eric

eric — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:36:29 +0000

you know what, though? i know a few people who actively wish they knew less. they’re the ones who look at monthly payments instead of interest, etc.

they frustrate me to no end, because it translates into some of the most serious issues, as well.

By: Unkie Herb

Unkie Herb — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:37:59 +0000

Amazing stuff.

It is inspiring to hear this opinion expressed by an American, as the collective ignorance of US citizens is lamented the world over. What we foreigners understand, however (especially us Canadians, we have a front row seat), is that many Americans are engaged, concerned and aware. I can only imagine the frustration you and yours must feel when the ignorance and fear take over. That isn’t to say that there isn’t a very similar problem here and around the world, just that perhaps it’s not on the same scale (and without the same global clout).

At any rate, do you have any ideas on raising the level of engagement? I am concerned about a point you mentioned off the top - that ignorance has become a cultural phenomenon. It’s almost like it’s “cool to be stupid.” Perhaps we need to follow Puff Daddy’s well-intentioned but ultimately ridiculous campaign and try to make it fashionable to be aware… Other than that, the only thing I can think of is a public education overhaul…

By: leslie

leslie — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:54:00 +0000

Excellent post my friend!
There was only one line that caught me off guard…
“If Bush does little else…I hope he convinces people to become more interested in their country and the world.”
When I first read that line, I thought, “No way is this person going to inspire people to elevated interest in their country or the world.”
Then I thought, “Maybe in self defense…”