Allan Bloom on Knowledge and Ignorance

"Socrates' way of life is the consequence of his recognition that we can know what it is that we do not know about the most important things and that we are by nature obliged to seek that knowledge." Allan Bloom

"Well now, I believe we are much less stupid than it seems. We are trained not to think. Formulas are drilled into us, which we parrot. But I believe that if the desire for true happiness, for true knowledge were to fully awaken among people in society – what the Enlightenment called with Kant's words: Sapere aude! Dare to know! – and not to consume canned wisdom that someone else has cooked and served, and then even experienced oneself as if I had thought such a thing... I believe that tremendous change could be achieved. People are not that stupid at all. But it is dangerous not to be stupid. Because if you are not stupid, you contradict, criticize, express unpopular opinions. And for safety reasons, it is better to appear stupid." Erich Fromm