Read Banned Books

“They” say that knowledge is power, and ignorance is bliss.

I’d like for you to think about those two truisms.

Ignorance == Bliss

“Ignorance” is defined as “the lack of knowledge in general, or in relation to a particular subject; the state of being uneducated or uninformed.” It doesn’t mean “stupid” and it generally shouldn’t be taken as an insult. I’m smarter than the average bear and I am totally ignorant when it comes to brain surgery, crochet, and model railroading (among a few thousand other things).

I have, in my life, been around both the mentally-challenged and those suffering from a form of dementia. I noticed that they seemed happy. They are “uninformed” as to the things that trouble the rest of us and therefore they’re often in a place where they’re just okay with things as they are.

I was raised a fundamentalist Christian, and my lack of ignorance regarding their lies about eternal damnation led me to a hell of a lot of sleepless nights.

While nothing in real life is ever totally black-and-white, I can see how, in general, ignorance can lead to happiness whereas knowing can lead to stress.

Knowledge == Power

Let’s start with the practical things. Learning to drive (if you did)… did that empower you? What about learning a skill like using spreadsheet software, or

What about learning to read?

Sure, there are many things we can learn that are only good for the power to win trivia games, but is there anything you can learn that doesn’t at least have the potential to be empowering?

So, ignorance can make us happier but knowledge can make us more powerful. Which of the two do you think most politicians and billionaires are likely to pursue?

When someone is trying to convince you, ask “what’s their motivation?”

I’ll be happy to tell you mine: if my words help one person to never again vote against the interests of the so-called “99%,” I’ll call that a success. If because of something written here, one person stops making decisions based upon what an authority figure tells them and instead chooses to do their own research, I’ll be glowing with happiness.

What is the motivation of the ultra-wealthy to convince you to think Capitalism is the only reasonable option? What is the motivation of the politician – who is bought and paid for by the aforementioned group – to tell you that unions are bad? What is the motivation of the preacher when he tells you to do as he says or burn in everlasting hell?

And what exactly is it in those books that they ban, eh? Clearly they’ve read them (or at least enough of them to pass judgement). But they don’t want you to read them.

Ever wonder why?