When is knowledge a bad thing?

Forbidden knowledge is commonly not secret, rather an individual, group, or institution will use repressive mechanisms to either completely prevent the publication of information they find objectionable or dangerous (censorship), or failing that, to try to reduce the public's trust in such information (propaganda).

Knowledge may be harmful when:

• It undermines core belief, values or morals

• Something hurtful to an individual or group is discovered

• It is applied irresponsibly, without regard for or serious consideration of consequences

• It incites people to do bad things

• It is applied for the explicit purpose of doing harm

• It is a distraction from acquiring useful or more important knowledge

• It is sought and/or used for questionable motives: greed, self-aggrandizement, etc.