The ignorance of the population is the tyranny of our times.
It enables every corruption of our political and economic system, promotes pettiness and divisiveness, and debases the soul of a nation and a world at a moment when we as a people face perhaps the greatest challenges and opportunities in all human history.
It is ignorance that drives us to pursue the selfish short-term objectives that seem to define our society.
Ignorance shatters perspective and narrows the world view; it displaces empathy and distorts justice. It foments fear and insecurity, which in turn foment hatred and violence.
Ignorance is the me we put before the we.
I am ignorant. We all are ignorant. We all can escape our ignorance if only we so desire.
If we think through the consequences of our actions, not just for tomorrow but for a hundred years,
If we are as honest with ourselves as we wish others would be with us,
If we reserve judgments and focus instead on understanding,
If we accept ourselves and others, lead by example as best we can and demonstrate that doing what is best for everyone, even if we don’t like it personally, is really what is best for us,
then we stand a chance at turning the tide on this, the greatest enemy of all.
Call me crazy if you will and pardon this interruption in your regularly scheduled program. I am just a poor ignorant human after all…