Recently Douglas Murray went on the PBD podcast and as part of the discussion stated “I say the first dark ages was the one where we didn’t have access to information in the Middle Ages. The second dark age is the one that we are currently in where we have access to too much information.” The thought struck me as peculiar as I thought about it over the next couple of days. How could 2024 be considered a dark age or be compared to life in 1024 or 624? The vast majority of people from either time period would choose to live in 2024 over 1024 if given the choice.

What is the parallel between too little and too much information and how does either one lead to a dark age? It is not hard to see how illiteracy and contempt for learning would result in an era lacking in creativity and innovation. The Italian poet Petrarch who lived from 1304 until 1374 wrote:

“My fate is to live among varied and confusing storms. But for you perhaps, if as I hope and wish you will live long after me, there will follow a better age. This sleep of forgetfulness will not last for ever. When the darkness has been dispersed, our descendants can come again in the former pure radiance.”

The Renaissance brought that radiance. Culture and literature began to flourish. Leonardo Di Vinci, Michelangelo, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Mozart brought forth art and music that still inspires today. The Renaissance led to the Enlightenment, which ushered in the Industrial Revolution, which has led to the modern era. Now, perhaps, if Murray is correct we have entered a dark post-modern age.

Now the question is how could the most technologically sophisticated era in history be considered a dark age? We live longer, less violent lives than at any other time. This should be a golden age in history. Yet there are many who see ominous clouds on the horizon for western civilization.

Perhaps the original dark ages were such because there was no way to know the truth. Perhaps the new dark age is one where there is so much information it is impossible to discern the truth. I would define a dark age as one where individual liberty is being actively curtailed.

Benjamin Rush once said “ “Freedom can exist only in the society of knowledge. Without learning, men are incapable of knowing their rights, and where learning is confined to a few people, liberty can be neither equal nor universal.”

The Life of William Tyndale provides the classic example of Dark Age logic. Tyndale believed all people should be able to read the Bible in their native language. He began to translate the Bible into English. He was forced to flee from England because of his work. Any English language copy found would be confiscated. His stated goal was to “cause a boy who drives a plow to know more of the scriptures than the pope.” Eventually he was killed as a heretic.

The desire to provide access to greater knowledge to the common man made Tyndale the enemy of the most powerful people in his time. Feudalism and the power structures of the day could not be challenged if the people were kept in darkness. As Anne Sullivan once said: “Every renaissance comes to the world with a cry, the cry of the human spirit to be free.”

Anyone who engages in actions meant to stifle education and access to information is at risk of falling into a Dark Ages mentality. People shouting “Trust the experts,” or enacting draconian laws or policies to combat misinformation show signs of a Dark Ages mentality. If dissenting opinions are not allowed knowledge will be lost. Censorship and punishment for differing opinions will usher in a dark age.

If we truly are in a dark age or are entering a dark age where information is bombarded at us with the intention to make us servile and strip liberty the only way out is through an American renaissance. It will require brave individuals who would stand and say don’t tread on me, to those who seek to bind.

An American renaissance would encourage new thought. It would strive for excellence in every aspect of life. Our cities would be beacons of new architectural design, with each city embracing its own unique flair. New uplifting music, art, and literature would be abundant. An American Renaissance would see partisan rancor give way to aspirational cooperation. We would walk on the moon again, we would usher in an era of prosperity that would make this the golden age in world history. Or we can continue to fall victim to clickbait articles meant to divide and enrage and watch our world sink closer to another dark age where we no longer have the ability to speak to one another. Our actions will decide our course. Seek and strive for an American Renaissance. It may be the only thing that can prevent a new dark age