This question has been dwelling inside me for a while now. Basically, a layman will simply tell you that an illiterate is someone who can’t read and write. While this might be a logical definition, it’s however no longer contextual.
These days, we have educated elites who are worse in character than some motor park touts. We also have uneducated fellows who are so level headed you begin to wonder why they were never in school.
Illiteracy has gone beyond just been unable to read and write. It involves your overall way of life. Your inability to make use of all the values education has bestowed upon you makes you an illiterate. Lack of critical thinking skills also does. If you lack basic psychological, mental and physical survival instincts even after spending over 16 combined years in the name of education, that makes you an illiterate.
Our society is filled with so many EDUCATED ILLITERATES today. By appearance they look like the best of men, but when they speak, you almost can’t help but wonder how one can be so confidently stupid.
Before you make any utterances especially in public or on social media, you’ve to ask yourself, what it says about you. Is it ethically or morally right? Is there another side to the story? Are you just following public opinions?
When criticized, embrace it, think about the critic’s opinion on your work or action. Not every critic is a HATER. Some truly want your progress. Whatever you do, Remember you have a root. Be a good ambassador of yourself, your family, your friends and most importantly humanity itself.
All these and your ability to adapt to the changing trends in life without necessary compromising your valuable moral principles are what makes you LITERATE, not Your educational qualifications or financial status.
Indeed as a great Scholar once said “AN ILLITERATE OF THE 21st CENTURY IS NOT SOMEONE WHO CAN NOT READ AND WRITE, BUT SOMEONE WHO CANNOT LEARN, UNLEARN AND RELEARN”.
©G Jaf, 2018