Ignorance Is the Greatest Sin – Why Education Is Sacred Across Civilizations

Timeless Wisdom Lecture Series – Lecture 19
Ignorance Is the Greatest Sin – Why Education Is Sacred Across Civilizations

Throughout history, philosophers and faith traditions alike have warned that ignorance is not just a weakness but the greatest sin—a force that blinds societies, feeds tyranny, and destroys civilizations. From Socrates’ defense of the examined life to the Torah’s sacred call to teach, from the Quran’s first revealed word Iqra (“Read”) to the Buddha’s reminder that ignorance fuels suffering, education has always been understood as humanity’s highest duty and noblest safeguard.

This lecture will explore how Ancient Greek Paideia—the shaping of the citizen’s mind and character—intersects with the teachings of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Across continents and centuries, all have seen knowledge not simply as power, but as a form of salvation. In our modern world, where misinformation spreads faster than truth and artificial intelligence raises new questions about learning, the message is more urgent than ever: to neglect education is to betray our shared humanity.

🗓 Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
🕑 Time: 14:00 CST

Speaker: Prof. Nikos Liodakis, Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
Sponsored by: Greek Community of Toronto

Join us for this profound journey through philosophy, faith, and civic duty. Together, we will rediscover why education is sacred, why ignorance is lethal, and why the pursuit of knowledge remains the foundation of a just and flourishing world.