Problems arise as soon as the ignorant and idiots start organizing.
An individual who does not know how to read is no different from a person who cannot read, and in a society that aims for integration and development, the organization of the ignorant and idiots brings profound and long-lasting consequences. This is because closed vicious groups of ignorant and idiotic people, who have fixed ideas in their heads for which they fight their entire lives and remain loyal to their beliefs (which are untrue and inaccurate), lead to visible social and economic problems that worsen over time.
Ignorance, a phenomenon that has been expanding recently as a result of illiteracy and functional illiteracy, is related to the lack of sufficient knowledge and necessary information to make decisions, which in this environment are not appropriate. Beyond this, what is even more frightening is the fact that the ignorant and idiots possess self-confidence and certainty, disregarding facts and valuable information. In this state, these people, who maintain their self-confidence and feel secure (despite their insecurity), are more likely to ignore alternatives and real information that may emerge according to situations in various areas of life. This phenomenon, known as "false confidence," causes significant damage in times when inaccurate information circulates at high speed.
According to Kahneman (2011), “False confidence is a phenomenon that often helps individuals create the illusion that they are informed, even when the information they have is insufficient or incorrect.” This leads individuals to make decisions based on inaccurate opinions, which ultimately can degenerate into dangerous beliefs not only for these individuals but also for the masses that follow them. For example, vaccination theories, climate change theories, conspiracy theories, etc., where individuals create beliefs and opinions without relying on science, give the impression that any ignorant or idiotic person can become an expert in these fields, which in fact require the application of science to obtain results and make decisions.
When these individuals, who now become experts in everything, come together, they form inaccurate opinions and ideas, even though they themselves are convinced of them. The phenomenon of creating such groups—closed groups of thought, where information is initially shared only among members to shape the direction of the issue, and then the information and direction are distributed to their supporters—leads to the formation of masses operating on the basis of beliefs unsupported by facts. In a context where the majority is illiterate or functionally literate, the majority is not inclined to filter information or make decisions but blindly supports the existing beliefs of ignorant and idiotic leaders, beliefs that can even degenerate into ideologies.
According to Sunstein (2001), “Closed groups can create an atmosphere where information and ideologies are reinforced without being challenged by others. This kind of group contributes to polarization and increases social tensions.” It is evident that there is polarization between united groups of ignorant and idiotic people and the rest of the population, which, despite being educated and aware of the situation, lacks the power to take action to change it. This polarization worsens relations between different groups of the population and undermines actions and efforts to provide constructive solutions to the problems caused by the ignorant and idiots. Here, it is worth pausing to reflect on the myth of the "soldiers of truth"—those individuals who believe that they, and only they, have the right to hold absolute truth, turning them into monsters who are not open-minded to other possibilities, thus harming the dynamism of life.
One of the most dangerous phenomena of uniting erroneous thoughts and polarizing them is the obstruction of opportunities for people to engage and come together to provide healthy solutions. This is because when individuals unite around inaccurate and uncertain ideas, beliefs, and thoughts, they tend to be illogical, and worse, they refuse to agree with differing opinions. As a result, attempts to reach agreements on important political, economic, social, legal, and other issues often end in complete failure.
According to Putnam (2000), “A polarized society, where individuals remain locked within their groups and are unwilling to listen to others' opinions, suffers from a significant lack of social cohesion. This negatively impacts opportunities to achieve sustainable and effective cooperation.” Ultimately, this results in political insecurity, which translates into the inability and incapacity of individuals to function as a unified society, overcoming common challenges and ultimately creating the real concept of nation and nationality.
One of the best ways to combat ignorance and its consequences is quality education for all and the quality of information, which must be accurate and reliable. Only through education and real information can false and uncertain beliefs be challenged, and individuals encouraged and supported to develop critical thinking skills to make accurate decisions based on reliable and factual information. According to Dewey (1938), “Education is a process that can develop individuals' ability to think critically and make informed decisions that benefit society.” Therefore, quality education and a reliable system of real information that supports critical thinking are two strong domains for combating ignorance and its merger with idiocy, creating a real opportunity for an informed, united, and effective society in its struggle for integration and development.
Literatura
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. Macmillan.
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
Sunstein, C. R. (2001). Republic.com. Princeton University Press.