Taki's Mag

In the years approximately 500 BC to 500 AD throughout the planet, various societies agreed in some concept of a flat Earth. This was obvious from mere visual observation, and thousands of those who’d sailed upon the sea were convinced at a certain point a ship would fall off the edge. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1000 AD in the northwestern section of Europe it was common knowledge that beings such as unicorns, leprechauns, trolls, and fairies existed and routinely interacted with human beings. Later, and in even larger areas of Europe, it was similarly obvious that both witches and werewolves plagued humanity. To deny this was tantamount to confessing yourself to be such a creature in disguise. This was well understood by all. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1250 AD throughout Central and South America it was recognized that natural phenomena such as lightning, thunder, earthquakes, floods, and droughts were directly related to tribal activities. The severity and consequences of these conditions were the result of pleasing or angering unseen forces. These could be assuaged by use of sacrificial candidates, often mutilated in the most extreme manner possible prior to demise. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1500 AD in Europe the Catholic Church held a monopoly over not only spiritual matters but secular ones as well, it being then believed there was little difference between the two. In the streets and centers of learning it was well-established that Earth was the center of the universe with all planets revolving around this most magnificent creation. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1635 AD the ancient empire of Japan made the decision to foreclose itself from contact with the world. Recognizing all others to be barbarians of lesser wisdom, the island ceased to entertain alternative viewpoints or lifestyles and would continue to do so for two centuries, having already attained the most advanced civilization possible. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1700 AD in the Americas and for centuries before and after it was understood that smoking tobacco was not only enjoyable, it was a health benefit. It increased lung capacity, enhanced respiration, and was mentally rehabilitative in calming the nervous system. Smoking undoubtedly improved longevity for millions. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1850 AD in Vienna it was well-established that unless one demonstrated signs of illness, said person was healthy. A physician named Semmelweis doubted this proposition, noting that washing one’s hands prior to attendance at childbirth drastically increased survival chances for both mother and child. His heresy was rewarded with humiliation and his eventual madness. His colleagues would not bear such calumny against medicine. No such things as germs existed. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1900 AD it was a certitude God created all people and everything around them. Only fools doubted that God was responsible for their existing exactly as designed. By 1990 AD, advanced people absolutely did not question they were products of natural evolution with no interference by a supreme power. They actively ostracized anyone who pretended to be both a serious person and believer, especially a scientist. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 1950 AD every intelligent person west of the Rhine was resigned to the fact that communism was a millennial menace. Doubters in the United States were blacklisted, sure never again to have gainful employment. The near-universal opinion was that communism might be beaten eventually, but only after the Third World War. Everyone knew it was right, and no one of consequence questioned this belief.

In the year 2000 AD in what was then known as the Western world it was unequivocally understood that all people everywhere were of precisely the same capacities in every possible attribute. To say otherwise was impermissible. Any facts tending to prove the opposite were intolerable. Making use of personal observation and unique experiences that rejected this notion was expressly forbidden. All things not being equal in the world, people were the singular exception, each of them being identical in their abilities.

Everyone was made to know this was the right opinion and no one, of consequence or not, was allowed to question this belief.

In the span of 2,500 years mankind has been assured of the rightness of a great many things, except for the forgotten fact of its own unending ignorance.