Knowledge is power !

We all know that knowledge is power, and one would therefore expect patients to realise how crucial it is that they be well-informed about their medical problem . However, in real life, this is a concept to which most doctors and patients only pay lip-service to. While one could understand why doctors may not be very keen on educating their patients ( too time consuming; too boring; no reimbursement), why don't patients take a more active role in seeking out information ? Are they too intimidated ? unsure of their abilities ? worried about what they will find ? scared of asking questions ?