Me smart.
I had a co-worker tell me that he used to be an avid reader, but doesn't read any longer. He said he learned too much and got disturbed. Three months ago, I thought he was nuts.
Now, I'm starting to understand him. I've been reading a lot of non-fiction for the past year, on a variety of subjects. I've also been visiting a lot of websites, watching debates, making a few comments ... and the sheer amount of ignorant people out there is staggering. Really, it is. No one seems to do any research on his/her own, they just repeat what someone told them. It's enough to make one's head hurt. And a year ago, 75% of this wouldn't have affected me if I hadn't done all the research I've done. Learning can have huge drawbacks, because I keep wanting to shriek and bang my head against the desk. (Hee. It's not me, it's everyone else. Naturally). Really, learning doesn't make one a more peaceful person.
(On a side note, though, it's really interesting how someone's spelling/grammar/sentence structure gives a hint as to one's intellectual capabilities. However, I'm also not one to talk. I spell like a five year old on a sugar high).
My mom has suggested that maybe I stick with fiction books for a while. I like fiction books. They kill brain cells, like television, only they kill with intelligence.
But just as a random example: on the Daily Show two nights ago, Jon Stewart interviewed the former UN Ambassador John Bolton. Naturally, the topic steered towards President Bush and this administration. Stewart made some comments and observations, and John Bolton basically responded every single time with, "You're wrong and here's why."
One thing Jon Stewart commented on was President Bush surrounding himself with people who 100% agreed with his policies. He finds that dangerous (as do I, for any President to do, not just this one), and said that President Lincoln put people in his Cabinet who passionately disagreed with him.
John Bolton said he was wrong.
Actually, John Bolton was wrong. President Lincoln did surround himself with political opponents, because he wanted all sorts of views. And this is such a small example.
I'm beginning to see why ignorance is bliss. It can make it easier to deal with society as a whole.
Now, I'm starting to understand him. I've been reading a lot of non-fiction for the past year, on a variety of subjects. I've also been visiting a lot of websites, watching debates, making a few comments ... and the sheer amount of ignorant people out there is staggering. Really, it is. No one seems to do any research on his/her own, they just repeat what someone told them. It's enough to make one's head hurt. And a year ago, 75% of this wouldn't have affected me if I hadn't done all the research I've done. Learning can have huge drawbacks, because I keep wanting to shriek and bang my head against the desk. (Hee. It's not me, it's everyone else. Naturally). Really, learning doesn't make one a more peaceful person.
(On a side note, though, it's really interesting how someone's spelling/grammar/sentence structure gives a hint as to one's intellectual capabilities. However, I'm also not one to talk. I spell like a five year old on a sugar high).
My mom has suggested that maybe I stick with fiction books for a while. I like fiction books. They kill brain cells, like television, only they kill with intelligence.
But just as a random example: on the Daily Show two nights ago, Jon Stewart interviewed the former UN Ambassador John Bolton. Naturally, the topic steered towards President Bush and this administration. Stewart made some comments and observations, and John Bolton basically responded every single time with, "You're wrong and here's why."
One thing Jon Stewart commented on was President Bush surrounding himself with people who 100% agreed with his policies. He finds that dangerous (as do I, for any President to do, not just this one), and said that President Lincoln put people in his Cabinet who passionately disagreed with him.
John Bolton said he was wrong.
Actually, John Bolton was wrong. President Lincoln did surround himself with political opponents, because he wanted all sorts of views. And this is such a small example.
I'm beginning to see why ignorance is bliss. It can make it easier to deal with society as a whole.