Ignorance

"Ignorance is the night of the mind. A night without moon or stars." --Confucius

What Confucius says was first introduced to me in The Wiz. These wise words were pulled out of Scarecrow's head, and I was a believer immediately. How many times have we referred to a lack of knowledge or information as being "in the dark"? While ignorance is sometimes bliss (there are things I would prefer not to know, especially when it concerns people), I am certain that ignorance is costly. It is true what the United Negro College Fund motto says, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." An ignorant mind is a wasted mind. Without knowledge to light our path, the "moon or stars," we stumble, fall, and sometimes perish. I do not believe for a moment that curing ignorance is easy. One cannot just pour knowledge into a dark mind. The unenlightened mind does need to be open. It must have the ability to see the light. Light makes us curious: it inspires. The moon and the stars cause us to dream, use or imagination, consider making the impossible possible. I am reminded of all the slave narratives I read. Having been denied the ability to read and write, knowing that education would change their plight (and free them mentally and then physically), they sought knowledge even though it might cost them their lives. While we have all been ignorant, and if we live long enough, will be again, there is no need to remain permanently in the dark.