Ignorance in a Sea of Knowledge

Editor: It is amazing that so many of us are uninformed. Rather than reading and researching for ourselves, many of us depend on “hear say.” What some of us assume is common knowledge, is no longer that. Information is more readily available now than in the past. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge in many areas. Additionally, our vocabulary is limited, making our understanding of what is read very limited. We live in the “Now for Now” generation and we think that our children at school are leaving us behind. However, this is not the case, it is our children who are left behind because of their lack of reading. We are more knowledgeable than our children think we are and they can benefit from learning the simplicity of the way we add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

The Preacher can no longer use a bible story with the assumption that everyone is familiar with it. Students may be spending their bible reading time watching social media. It is known that the brain in more engaged with reading rather than passively watching or listening to our electronic devices.

Teachers too are frustrated trying to move to a new topic because students often lack the vocabulary to fully grasp what is being taught. Some are excellent with conversation but are unable to put their ideas into writing.

Employers long to have employees who have good work ethics, are willing to learn, and have enquiring minds motivated to improve what they do. Moreover, many lack confidence in themselves and need too much directions to get their work done.

Electronic gadgets have become babysitters for our children so they lack social skills and fail to realize that certain rules apply to various interactions. Because we fail to read manuals we look to people who should know to get by. Certificates may no longer be adequate to assess a candidate’s suitability to undertake certain tasks, and we may have to resort to assessing certain habits.

It is not helpful that so many people have their fingers on their lips, fearing to speak least it gets to the hearing of some who could use the information against them. Further, they would not venture to put their thoughts into writing and consequently we are robbed from knowledge that may help us improve various aspects of our living.

Where ever we are and what ever we do, reading should be an important part of our lives. Bible reading, reading of books, reading on the Internet, and reading local newspapers will go a long way in preventing us from ignorantly drowning in our Sea of Knowledge.

Anthony Stewart, PhD