We should have no more contempt for humans
Than for hyenas e. coli or poison ivy
Contemptible though those organisms may seem

But humans so tantalizingly close to reason
Give reason for disappointment
If not for active contempt

But then a human cannot be responsible
For accidental miscalculation
For irremediable ignorance

But what of ignorance of the willful kind
Which renders the mystery of self-control
No mystery at all

But willful ignorance is knowledge too
From the elders the comrades and the holy scrolls
The word received from the collective fool