"As both dumbness and smartness are defined downward—among intellectuals and nonintellectuals alike—it becomes much easier to convince people of the validity of extreme positions. Not only basic knowledge but the ability to think critically are required to understand the factual errors (as distinct from differences of opinion) but generally provide the foundation for policies at the far end of the political spectrum."
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https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Age_of_American_Unreason
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The Age of American Unreason
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