Let’s discuss the flipside of knowledge. Yes, knowledge is power, but it can also create absolute boredom. We’ve all heard the canned phrase “ignorance is bliss”, haven’t we? Sure, it can be interpreted as a negative statement, but if you think about it there are certain positive truths in this statement as well. If you knew everything, would you be motivated to do anything? Consider the following points:
- Ignorance is the unknown.
- The unknown can be exciting to discover and explore.
- Unguided exploration can stimulate creative awareness.
- Increased creative awareness can raise adrenalin levels, allowing the mind to more accurately focus.
- Persistent focus and concentration toward discovering the truth creates an emotional sense of dedication.
- Dedication accelerates personal productivity.
How exciting would the Super Bowl be if everyone knew the outcome of the game beforehand? Would the fans still watch it? Would the players still play? Probably not, because the excitement of the game rests in the unknown outcome of which team will triumph. It is the ignorance of not knowing that adds unparalleled excitement to our lives.
This is the reason we must perpetually continue to learn, adapt, and grow. Ceasing to learn new tricks and discover new things will leave you stranded in a world of familiar boredom.
Joe says
True – However assuming that someone with no ‘knowledge’ can dedicate himself to learn presupposes that he possesses some form of intelligence, that leads him to learn. Therefore, his ignorance is very relative as he already demonstrates full reasoning capabilities, creativity and curiosity, far away from any concept of ignorance.
Remember Socrates’ quest for the definition of intelligence (in his dialog with Glaucon in ‘The Republic’): ‘I know that I know nothing at all. To him, it is the ultimate form of intelligence.
So, I would disagree with the term ‘ignorance’. An ignorant is someone that fundamentally objects and refuses to consider anything that is not in his immediate vicinity.
I like your blog. – Joe
Marc says
Point well taken. It may have been a poor choice in words as it relates to the meaning of ‘unknown’. I completely agree with your thought process. Thanks for the insight. 😉
Gerry says
1. Ignorance is only bliss when your are also ignorant of your ignorance.
2. Would knowing the result of the game change the result of the game?
3. I’m not sure if you have a point or not because your example possibly involves psychic abilities (especially if you believe in chaos theory) and that may be something which is not possible to attain through knowledge alone.
4. How on earth did I get here?… I’ve got so many bloody tabs open that I can’t follow the trail back any more.
kiruai dennis says
It’s amazing how you can look at the same thing from different perspectives & get absolutely different results. I loathed knowledge… till now. Kudos!