Credentials are excuses for dismissing the thoughts and ideas of those who have none. By extension, those who have credentials dictate “accepted” knowledge. Thus, the more we narrow our criteria for credible credentials, the more information is dismissed without consideration. More pointedly, it is the institution(s) which give “credentials” that control “accepted” knowledge.
Further, the type of credentials one has, and how the “credentials” were obtained, is often of negligible consequence to the concerned population [e. g. Honorary Degrees; and the assumed credentials of men-in-power; and those who are “in the money,” and thus are said to be “influential” as a result.] Rare examples exist where “credentials” are granted to those who are highly influential to a specific or general population, such as persons of spiritual ascension; or one who has accumulated recognition for spiritual or social or political achievement (often posthumously).
An unapologetic critique of this condition is necessary for civilization to advance in profound ways that assumes the attrition of knowledge to be inclusive of the population as a whole.