A generation regressing in attaining knowledge can only have negative repercussions. As Susan Jacoby says in her book The Age of American Unreason , we as a people are becoming more and more disinterested in learning about our country’s history and current events. Over the last forty years, it is apparent that Americans have become less knowledgeable on he subject of American government and policy. Today’s world is filled with technological tools that we use on a daily basis, Jacoby argues that it is this that has pulled the American people away from a broad knowledge on our history. Going back to when Franklin Roosevelt was president, a majority of the people were engaged in listening to everything he had to share during his fireside chats. Their attention was devoted to reading and engaging in the mundane and thrilling events that were taking place. This generation has allowed technology and blissful ignorance to cloud their minds, and that is why the levels of knowledge are plummeting. …show more content…
Jacoby made reference to people wanting to share a beer with George Bush, as he was seen as a relatable and agreeable person. Intellect is no longer the basis for promising politicians. Those who are highly knowledgeable make attempts to downplay these qualities in order to not be seen as a pompous person. The political figures used to be picked for their intellect and a sort of icon of what people should strive for. Their education was valued and to be able to encompass a down to earth personality but a curiosity for higher learning was far more appealing to the