The great philosopher Kurt Cobain correctly identified pervasive societal apathy with the iconic hit Smells Like Teen Spirit.   And these timeless, somewhat ambiguous lyrics certainly apply to directionless kids on street corners inhaling unidentifiable toxins into their lungs.  But, perhaps the relevance of this song could also extend to certain intelligentsia residing in academic ivory towers.  These folks, high on their own success, snort at the notion that they actually may have not yet arrived at the Nirvana of Omniscience.

“She’s over-bored and self-assured…”

But, if we cancel those who disagree with us and undermine dissenting opinions rather than addressing misconceptions with grace and tact, we can keep people in the dark!

“With the lights out, it’s less dangerous…”

The emperor is fully nude, but if we re-frame the narrative, we can take advantage of the proletariat’s worship of novelty, as they cry…

“Here we are now, entertain us…”

Unwittingly fostering a culture of mediocrity…

“I’m worse at what I do best…”

As a GroupThink mindset is perpetuated…

“Our little group has always been and always will until the end…”

And consciences are irreparably seared with a solder of virtue signaling…

“Oh well, whatever, never mind…”

And the moment that integrity or scholastic excellence is questioned…

“A denial…a denial…a denial…a denial…”

If he was still here, perhaps we would confer Cobain with an honorary doctorate…although I bet he’d recognize such trite accolades as “stupid and contagious.” 😊

(And if the legendary guitar riffs and slurred, grungy groans have historically obfuscated your ability to hear the lyrics, those are linked HERE).