Training masses in logic and the art of proofs can yield unprecedentedly savvy citizenry.

I hear often that Geometry is referred to as a "difficult subject", sort of an elite one. This sentiment along with general apprehension of mathematics must have a dramatic effect on the political arena. First of all it is wrong! Math is not hard if learned properly just like any other subject. There is nothing "high end" about geometry. On the contrary, children have an intuitive understanding of logic that can be fostered easily. The effect of extensive training in proving theorems and arriving triumphantly at hundreds of QEDs first with guidance and later independently can make people alert to manipulation and falsification which have become common tools in politics (and in more mundane areas like sales and finance). The idea is that if everyone is endowed with logical skills they'll be inclined to use them on a daily basis where needed. The question remains how to prevent simple intellectual laziness.

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  1. Historian Rick Shenkman exposes the ignorance of American voters in his new book, "Just How Stupid Are We?"