Isaac Asimov's 1980 Essay 'A Cult of Ignorance' Resurfaces

In 1980, Isaac Asimov published an essay in Newsweek titled 'A Cult of Ignorance,' arguing that anti-intellectualism has long been embedded in American political and cultural life. He critiqued the notion that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge,' linking it to a false understanding of democracy. Asimov targeted historical figures like Dwight Eisenhower and George Wallace, and mocked the slogan 'Don't trust the experts!' as often used by elites themselves. He lamented low readership of periodicals, estimating only 1% of Americans exercise their right to know. The essay has never been reprinted in any of Asimov's collections. The article also references Susan Jacoby's book 'The Age of American Unreason' and political strategist Steve Schmidt's concept of 'intellectual rot.' Asimov's piece remains relevant amid contemporary debates over misinformation and polarization.