Why knowledge and ignorance are not always moving in opposite directions

Last night, the news showed a group of climate change activists blocking traffic in Oxford Circus causing havoc, while a tv commentator was saying that if instead of disturbing the shoppers, which did not improve climate, the protesters had instead persuaded the shoppers to stop eating meat they would be contributing to improve the climate.

The level of silliness shown by the protesters and the commentator could be looked at with benevolence and a smile if they were from a primitive tribe dancing or fasting to ask the gods for rain. But, in XXI London, where most population is well educated and there are some top universities this seems at odds with normal expectations.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case and we see a rise of such phenomenon worldwide in many other spheres. For instance, in politics one of the most advanced democracies elected one of the stupidest presidents. But, interestingly, this president now plays the role of the child shouting “the king is naked” in relation to the climate change activists.

So, why aren’t science and ignorance moving always in opposite directions?

There are at least two reasons for that.

First, just because we now know how to develop models showing how the movement of a butterfly in Asia can cause a hurricane in the Caribbean, it does not follow that there is significant chance of that happening. That is, simple minded people are prone to confuse theoretical possibilities with likely occurrences.

Second, humans seem to have a need to stand out in a crowd. This is now exacerbated by social media. And, if someone gets recognition by an exotic behaviour or stance others immediately follow a similar conduct. Again, politics gives us a good example. The rise of a silly Trump was not followed by the rise of a wise Democrat but by the emergence of an equally foolish representative Ocasio-Cortez.

Should wise people despair because we live in such a world? Of course not. The voyage of humankind from primitive predators to civilized people is a long journey on a tortuous road. We simply need to avoid crashing out while enjoying the diversity.