In 1907, Maurice Switzer wrote, "It's better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk, and remove all doubt of it."

People grow up with one of the above traits, or are reasonably or highly intelligent. Some people cannot think about anything but themselves and their microcosm universe.

Some people see the little picture, some see the big picture, and some are unaware that there is a picture in their lives besides themselves, and their self-proclaimed preferred treatment and entitlements. Self-ritualistic behavior has become a national pastime among specific subsets, such as government, corporations, and Hollywood elites.

Some individuals possess the powerful skill of critical thinking, a skill that can be learned and honed. In a world where propaganda and opinions are rampant, critical thinking emerges as a potent tool, empowering us to combat ignorance and misinformation.

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We grow up from childhood being spoon-fed what the 'establishment', which can refer to the government, media, and other influential bodies, wants us to consume in terms of intellect and information. We develop a frame of reference based on our life experiences, our families, religions, culture, and the presence of our government's mandates.

It's a transformation that's both fascinating and alarming. Some beautiful children, once giving and thoughtful, can turn into hostile ideologues. They become adults who demand others follow their way of thinking, all at the expense of their once-giving nature.

Here are some great quotes to ponder, each offering a unique perspective on intelligence and awareness, with a touch of humor. These quotes, from renowned figures such as Socrates, Marcus Tullius Cicero, George Orwell, and Mark Twain, serve as a humorous yet insightful commentary on the various levels of intelligence and awareness in society. For instance, Socrates' quote highlights the importance of learning from others, while George Orwell's quotes mock the self-proclaimed superiority of intellectuals. These quotes are not just witty remarks, but they also offer profound insights into the nature of intelligence and awareness.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, 2000 years ago (106 BC to 43 BC ): "There has never been any so outrageous and insane balderdash which some philosopher had not represented as the absolute truth."

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): "We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) once said, "There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion."This quote underscores the importance of self-awareness in our personal growth and development.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Fear always springs from ignorance."

Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Each is liable to panic, which is exactly the terror of ignorance surrendered to the imagination."

Mark Twain (1835-1910): "Never argue with stupid people, they will only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

Mark Twain: "If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're misinformed."

Mark Twain: "Man is born ignorant. It takes four years of college to make him stupid."

Mark Twain: "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live."

George Orwell: "Some ideas are so stupid only intellectuals would believe them," reflecting the self-proclaimed superior intellect.

George Orwell, 1945 (1903-1950): "One has to belong to the intelligentsia to believe things like that: no ordinary man could be such a fool."

Bernard Russell (1872-1970): "Men are born ignorant, not stupid. They are made stupid by education."

Bertrand Russell, 1959- "This is one of those views which are so absurd that only very learned men could adopt them."

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)warned, "Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance." This quote serves as a reminder to be cautious and vigilant in our pursuit of knowledge.

Emma Goldman (1869-1940): "The most violent element in society is ignorance."

Archie Bunker-All In The Family-(1971-1979): "Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid."

Archie Bunker: "Meathead, dead from the neck up."

Jack Nicholson, in A Few Good Men (1937-), is now 88 years old: "You can't handle the truth."