I wanted to respond to the cult of ignorance link separately, because I think a different point is being made here. Since Asimov has written this I think life

I wanted to respond to the cult of ignorance link separately, because I think a different point is being made here. Since Asimov has written this I think life has changed somewhat, and yet not at all. So much of his essay rings true, but today the slogans for the masses happen as much in the written as on the spoken word. Social media shows that people can read. That they can write. Indeed exposing your thoughts in a written tweet can have major implications for your future self. The root of populism is not the failure to read, it is the desire to conform. You accept the limitations of your tribe, and toe the party line, because to do otherwise leaves you alone in the wind. The politician who stands on principle against the tide is swiftly consumed by it. If you dare to think for yourself then you are an Elitist, that worst of all badges. If you dare to have a politically incorrect thought, if a past version of you is imperfect, if your contrition is not sincere enough, your penance incomplete, then the faceless mob awaits. There is safety in a quiet life, keep your head down and chant with the rest. Yes things have changed, but things are the same. Turns out the learning to read does not make us better people.