The problem with that approach is the world is full of snake oil salesmen/women, false prophets & those who wield influence would stifle progress/common good to suit their own ends. Self interest allowed our species to persist and it also serves to hinder our progress. Free will & such. A better quote in return for my omission of a massive list of what people opposed for good reasons:

"The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents and the ocean was not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge. Imagination drew in bold strokes, instantly serving hopes & fears, while knowledge advanced by slow increments and contradictory witnesses."

- Boorstin

The Discoverers