Obscurantism isn't anything new, over to the East Chinese ancient philosopher LaoZi famously quipped in 65th chapter
interpretation may vary, but looking it naively and translating directly comes to
those who are good at ruling, kept people stupid. for knowledge make them harder to rule.
for those oppose this translation, argues on the word "ignorant" and it's definition by Laozi which meant earnest rather than ignorant.
So it's really advocating an honest, earnest society with high trust model where ruler and it's populace cooperate.
But the fact remains both interpretation exists, and I'd wager the current Chinese government is the supporter of the former naive translation.
Anyway just some knee jerk thoughts reading this article, it's always fascinating to see different culture collide on the same pain points.
those who are good at ruling, kept people stupid. for knowledge make them harder to rule.
for those oppose this translation, argues on the word "ignorant" and it's definition by Laozi which meant earnest rather than ignorant.
So it's really advocating an honest, earnest society with high trust model where ruler and it's populace cooperate.
But the fact remains both interpretation exists, and I'd wager the current Chinese government is the supporter of the former naive translation.
Anyway just some knee jerk thoughts reading this article, it's always fascinating to see different culture collide on the same pain points.