Blissful Ignorance
Most of the time we seek knowledge, we resist ignorance, we want to learn everything we can. We remind ourselves of old sayings: Forewarned is forearmed, ignorance is the root of all evil, ignorance is not innocence but sin. But are there times when ignorance is bliss, are there things we don't need to know, things we are better off not knowing? I think there are some circumstances where we shouldn't seek knowledge, where we are, indeed, better off ignorant.
Normally, the reason we want as much knowledge as we can gain is so we can be in control. We believe that knowledge is power, that the more we know the more likely it is that we will do the "right" thing, that with knowledge comes wisdom. We think that if we can know all there is to know about a problem we can solve it. But it's worth considering whether all problems are solvable, whether facts lead to wisdom, whether there always is a "right" thing.
For example, I don't want to know that something bad is going to happen unless I can do something to prevent it. In that circumstance, knowledge brings worry and stress. Ignorance enables me to enjoy the time and whatever happens will happen. I won't be any better prepared for knowing and in ignorance I'll be more relaxed and better equipped to handle the event. Similarly, I'd just as soon not know about an incurable illness. While some would disagree, I would rather proceed with my life as best I can without knowing of this looming problem. If you can't fix something, why worry about it? And especially in this instance, worrying about it can interfere with your life as you fruitlessly pursue a solution that doesn't exist.
It's worth remembering that if we can't solve a problem, no matter what our level of knowledge, the search for knowledge may be counter-productive. We waste our time in the search and we blame ourselves inappropriately when we fail. Sometimes, we can live in blissful ignorance.
2-23-04
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