Why Political Illiteracy is Dangerous, According to Bertold Brecht

A friend sent me a great quotation from German philosopher Bertold Brecht this morning. It’s from an intriguing blog called “Today’s WORD on Journalism”.

Here’s what Brecht had to say about political illiteracy. It is perhaps more true today than when he spoke it early last century:

“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn’t seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour, or rent, of medicines, all depend on political decisions. He even prides himself on his political ignorance, sticks out his chest and says he hates politics. He doesn’t know, the imbecile, that from his political non-participation comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, corrupt officials, the lackeys of exploitative multinational corporations.” 

Such illiteracy should not be socially acceptable. We can’t force people not to be ignorant but we can call them on it when they boast of their “independence”.

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About King Angela Uyi

I am Angela Uyi aka Mama Naija|Two time Social Media Personality Winner| A smooth talker| Humanitaria| Ghost Writer| CopyWriter |Twitter:@Angelauyi |