Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
I have a foreboding of America in my children’s or grandchildren’s time–when the United States is a service and information economy; when nearly all of the manufacturing industries have slipped away to other countries; when awesome technological powers are in the hands of a very few, and no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues; when the people have lost the ability to set their own agendas or knowledgeably question those in authority; with our critical faculties in decline, unable to distinguish between what feels good and what’s true, we slide almost without noticing, back into superstition and darkness.
And when the dumbing down of America is most evident in the slow decay of substantive content in the enormously influential media, the 30-second sound bites now down to 10 seconds or less, lowest-common-denominator programming, credulous presentations on pseudoscience and superstition, but especially a kind of celebration of ignorance.
CARL SAGAN
Now:
The Flynn Effect, refers to the phenomenon of increasing average IQ scores in developed countries over generations. This phenomenon has been observed and documented over several decades. However, there can be variations in IQ trends in different regions and time periods.
It’s important to note that the Flynn Effect is a broad generational trend, and there can be short-term fluctuations or variations in different populations. While the overall trend has been upward in many Western countries in the past, there may be periods or specific groups where IQ scores appear to stagnate or even decline. Various factors, including changes in education, environmental influences, and economic conditions, can affect these trends.
To make accurate assessments about IQ trends in a specific region or time period, it’s essential to examine the available data and consider potential factors that may contribute to any observed variations.
In conclusion, the signs of a potential regression in the Western world have been evident for some time, though they were initially dismissed by many. Those few individuals who dared to challenge the prevailing narrative did so with sharp senses and a commitment to logical reasoning. Their foresight has been vindicated as we confront the sobering reality of our times.
The path forward demands not just a short-term fix but a sustained commitment to education and enlightenment. It will take decades of concerted effort to reverse the current trend and steer the Western world back on course.
I encourage you not to take my words at face value but to explore the latest studies led by professionals in various fields. These studies offer a comprehensive view of our challenges and potential solutions. It is an opportunity for us all to critically assess the situation and, if necessary, to realign our efforts to safeguard the future of Western civilization.
As we move forward, let us be the agents of change, embracing the wisdom of the past, the reality of the present, and the promise of a brighter future. The fate of the Western world lies in our collective hands, and it’s a responsibility we must undertake with unwavering dedication.
Please Take the Time and …