The attitude was a sense of superiority so dense as to be impenetrable. A feeling of this kind leads to ignorance of the world and of others because it suppresses curiosity.
The quote reflects on the dangers of a mindset filled with superiority, suggesting that such an attitude can create an impenetrable barrier to understanding. When individuals believe they are above others, it often leads to a lack of curiosity and an ignorance of the broader world around them. This sense of superiority can prevent meaningful engagement with different perspectives and cultures.
In "The March of Folly," Barbara W. Tuchman illustrates how this ignorance, fueled by arrogance, can have significant consequences. By dismissing the value of understanding others, people may find themselves repeating historical mistakes, thus perpetuating cycles of folly. Acknowledging the limitations of one’s knowledge is crucial for growth and learning.
