In an age where information is more accessible than ever, one might expect society to flourish intellectually. Yet paradoxically, we are witnessing a troubling regression—a cultural embrace of ignorance that undermines progress and corrodes democratic institutions. The decay of humanity is not marked by war or famine alone, but by the slow erosion of critical thought, empathy, and civic responsibility.

This intellectual decline is not accidental. It is fueled by populist rhetoric, misinformation, and the glorification of simplistic solutions to complex problems. At the heart of this phenomenon stands a figure emblematic of this shift: Donald Trump. To many, he represents a rebellion against elitism; to others, he is the kryptonite of intelligence—a force that weaponizes anti-intellectualism and rewards emotional reaction over rational discourse.

Trump’s rise to power did not create this cultural moment, but it amplified it. His disdain for expertise, science, and nuance has emboldened a movement that values loyalty over logic, spectacle over substance. In this environment, truth becomes negotiable, and ignorance becomes a badge of honor.

If society continues down this path, the consequences may be irreversible. The extinction of thoughtful dialogue and informed decision-making threatens not only political stability but the very fabric of civilization. To resist this decline, we must champion education, critical thinking, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths.

©️ Beatriz Esmer