We've probably all heard the expression,
What you don't know can't hurt you.It implies that if we stay in the dark about something, then we can avoid dealing with it, or being harmed by it. Yet, remaining ignorant or uninformed about important issues, can turn problematic. Just like a child that never learns that the burner on the stove is hot, will at some point, reach up and touch it. Or a spouse that ignores the red flags of infidelity in their marriage, runs the risk of experiencing a life of pain and misery. Yes, ignorance might initially seem like bliss (as the saying goes), and we might think that denying or avoiding unpleasant facts is easier than facing hard truths, but really, our oblivion is merely complicating, exacerbating and prolonging the inevitable. Sooner or later, we will have to come to grips and face the music.
In an ever-fluctuating world, where books are bountiful and new information, discoveries and knowledge are just a click away, why would anyone purposely choose incognizance over enlightenment? Well, the main culprit might be a fear of truth and change. When suspecting something is about to negatively impact us, shatter our foundational ideologies, or be hard to handle, those that harbor this kind of fear, may decide to turn a blind eye to the reality of the situation. This reminds me of the famous line from the movie, A Few Good Men,
You can't handle the truth!Fear can cause this type of denial. What I mean is, fear can have us falsely believing we can't endure harsh realities. But sticking our head in the sand won't make things any easier. In fact, it makes us more susceptible to manipulation. If we don't intentionally seek and discern what is categorically true, how can we recognize deception or danger when it rears its ugly head? The simple answer is, we can't. However, once we know the truth about something, it's dang near impossible to pull the wool over our eyes regarding it. Sure, awareness will likely shift our perspective and perhaps our lives, but isn't change better than being clueless and unwittingly setting ourselves up for future distress? If we refuse to look at the truth of any matter, we are willfully choosing ignorance, which then raises the question, what are the benefits?
One advantage (if you want to call it that) is negligible accountability. Staying ignorant means we aren't tasked with learning new things, making tough decisions, or getting to the bottom of matters. We can dwell in a kind of limbo state, believing what we believe, without the burden of proof, the exertion of due diligence or the liability associated with taking a stance. Ignorance allows us to remain in the comfy confines of the familiar, avoiding the challenges and responsibilities of personal growth, and the effort required to obtain true knowledge and wisdom.
It is my theory, that ignorance is meant to be the catalyst that inspires learning, instigates change and propels us toward grander versions of ourselves. Not a place to pitch a tent and reside.
The ultimate ignorance is the rejection of something you know nothing about and refuse to investigate.~Dr. Wayne Dyer
Indeed.