Addicted to knowledge
There is a simple explanation for the pleasure of grasping a new concept: The brain is getting its fix. The "click" of comprehension triggers a biochemical cascade that rewards the brain with a shot of natural opium-like substances, writes Irving Biederman, professor of neuroscience at the University of Southern California, in American Scientist. He hypothesized that knowledge addiction has strong evolutionary value because mate selection correlates closely with perceived intelligence. Only more pressing material needs, such as hunger, can suspend the quest for knowledge, Biederman added.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-06/uosc-fk062006.php
Ten Word Wiki
Ten Word Wiki -- the encyclopedia for the ADD generation -- collects and distributes knowledge in exactly ten words, no more no less. For example: Lance Armstrong: Inspirational unitesticled cycling legend. Singlehandedly invented the rubber wristband industry.Really, what more do you need to know? As much as we like describing things in words, there are few things that need explaining in greater detail.
Knowledge Was Power
Francis Bacon was paraphrased as saying "knowledge is power." [In his time -- the late 16th century, --] the only people that had access to books and the literacy to unlock the wisdom within were the wealthy with the time and inclination to learn. Back then, the friction that held people back from learning was low literacy, a lack of access to books and very little time. Now, that friction is almost non-existent. Now, the only real friction that exists is our own desire for knowledge. Social networks may be encouraging younger people to get involved in politics. More and more people are getting involved in politics and are feeling they can make a difference. These are all signs of social media's growing influence in politics. We are no longer consumers of passive messages; we are active participants. We get news through the network we have created, and the news we pass to one another says something about us, what we are interested in, and what is important to us.
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