Do they really have a need to understand?
In MY opinion, yes, since they procreate. It benefits humankind. The less ignorant people we have running around, the better.
If that means they make poor decisions about economics, global warming, when to go to the doctor, or who to vote for, then so be it.
But what about when those people are loud about their ignorance? So loud that they justify the rest of the ignorant flock? There happens to be a large enough group of scientifically illiterate people that we have to have debates about scientific facts.....
If people choose ignorance, fine. So long as they are aware they are wrong. But those of us with the ability owe the human race to try and edumacate people (not saying I do that great of a job, but I KNOW I'm an asshole).
"Why don't you call upon your God to strike me? Oh, I forgot it's because he's fake like Thor, so bite me" -Greydon Square