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We believe that we live in the 'age of information,' that…

“We believe that we live in the 'age of information,' that there has been an information 'explosion,' an information 'revolution.' While in a certain narrow sense this is the case, in many important ways just the opposite is true. We also live at a moment of deep ignorance, when vital knowledge…” quote by Bill McKibben
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“We believe that we live in the 'age of information,' that there has been an information 'explosion,' an information 'revolution.' While in a certain narrow sense this is the case, in many important ways just the opposite is true. We also live at a moment of deep ignorance, when vital knowledge that humans have always possessed about who we are and where we live seems beyond our reach. An Unenlightenment. An age of missing information,”

Bill McKibben

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Despite abundant data, society lacks deep understanding of self and place, creating a paradox of information overload and profound ignorance.

In simple terms: We have lots of data but still miss essential truths.

Key Takeaway

Seek depth beyond surface information.

Themes

information overload ignorance paradox knowledge

Mood

concerned thoughtful

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • digital age
  • education
  • public discourse
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

critical thinking philosophy media literacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What essential knowledge feels missing today?
  • How can we prioritize depth over volume?
A Different Perspective

Abundant data can still be shallow; quality matters.

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