“Writing therefore remained exclusive, until cheap paper became available, and the printing press made mass production of written texts more affordable and less labor-intensive” (Baron 20).
The above quote speaks of Greece and the evolution of writing from exclusive and expensive in 7th century BC, to inexpensive and widely available in 1440 thanks to the Holy Roman Empire.
Now, in 2011, 99% of United States citizens are considered literate. Impressive right?
But, don’t forget about Guinea at 29.5%, Burkina Faso at 28.7%, Niger at 28.7%, South Sudan at 27% and Mali at 26.2% literacy rate, just to name a few.
In 2700 years these countries have become no more literate then the Greeks were in 7th century BC. While countries such as the United States, Russia, Poland, Australia and Canada have near perfect literacy rates.
How is it possible that social animals such as humans, that are so connected and globalization is peaking like never before, let 2700 years go by and literally leave countries, like the ones listed above, in the dust?
Maybe, as a whole, we really aren’t all that advanced. And as the population of humans explodes like never before, will we ever be able to say 99% of the world is literate? I personally seriously doubt it.
What do you think? Could 99% of the world population read Harry Potter at some point in our future?
I don't think there will ever be a 99% literacy rate in the world, and I don't think it should be that way, unless we somehow slow down our population explosion, which isn't going to happen anytime soon. So, depressing train of thought ensues. This is why I avoid politics.
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