The Illiteracy of Modern Society and Its Impact: Reevaluating the Importance of Literacy
For centuries, societies functioned with a significant portion of the population being illiterate. However, in the early 19th century, this began to change. By the 20th century, nearly everyone in many western countries was required to learn how to read and write. This article aims to reevaluate the importance of literacy in modern society, exploring the reasons behind the sudden shift from an illiterate majority to a nearly universal literate population. We will also address the roles of superstition, religion, and the government, and how competition has become the primary motivator for literacy.
Shifting Perspectives on Literacy
Traditionally, literacy was not a necessity for survival. Many societies managed well for thousands of years with the majority of their population being illiterate. Illiteracy was often linked to vision issues or a lack of interest in reading, and the abundance of trees made paper production wasteful. The human brain was naturally equipped to understand spoken language, images, and sensory experiences, but not written language. It was only in the context of preserving religious texts and later, for government purposes, that literacy was invented.
Approaching a Superstitious or Religious Age
As countries continue to develop worldwide, we are witnessing a new era where most people, regardless of their religious or cultural identity, follow beliefs and practices that are not essential for survival. This modern period can be considered the most superstitious or religious in all of human history. In many aspects of modern life, certain beliefs and practices have become mandatory, much like literacy, to keep up with society and ensure one's future prospects.
The Role of Competition in Literacy
The increasing reliance on literacy can be attributed to the motivating factor of competition. In the context of modern society, literacy has become a significant advantage, much like physical labor skill was in pre-industrial times. When the majority of the population is illiterate, those with even a basic level of literacy can stand out. As more and more people become literate, the necessity for every individual to be literate increases. Literacy allows individuals to access the world more comprehensively and opens up opportunities that were previously unavailable.
Automation and the Demand for Literacy
The rise of automation has also contributed to the increasing demand for literacy. Many of the simple jobs that could be done by individuals with an IQ of less than 90 have been automated. For example, a farmer with an IQ of 80 could be well-compensated for their physical labor, but today, machines handle the work. The automation of such jobs requires a higher level of intelligence, typically at least average IQ, to handle complex tasks such as operating satellite-guided tractors. Similarly, rote mechanical tasks, which were once performed by factory laborers with an IQ of 75, are now handled by machines, requiring literate individuals to follow complex work instructions.
Historical Context and Education Reforms
Historically, in some parts of Europe, compulsory education for basic reading, writing, and counting became a widespread practice by the end of the 18th century. Empress Maria Theresa, Queen of Bohemia, Hungary, and Archduchess of Austria, and her son Joseph II, implemented reforms aimed at establishing a nationwide education system. These reforms significantly contributed to the prosperity of their states and improved the standard of living for common people. Before these reforms, countries managed poorly, often experiencing famines and high criminality.
Modern education systems play a crucial role in ensuring that the population is literate and capable of functioning in a highly automated and competitive society. While literacy has become a requirement for many jobs, it also empowers individuals to contribute positively to society and improve their own lives. As we continue to evolve, the importance of literacy cannot be understated, and it remains a fundamental pillar of human development and progress.