The Bliss of (Not) Being Ignorant

Knowledge is power, and ignorance is bliss, so the saying goes, right? The power of knowledge, that indeed is unquestionable, but what about the bliss of ignorance? If there even is such a thing, because, as one may very well ask, is ignorance really bliss?

Ignorance can be passive, such as when an individual merely does not have the resources to be aware about something, or, that they’re entirely impassive regarding whatever it may be. Being ignorant about a matter, whether purposefully or unintentionally, has both its rewards and repercussions.

There are going to be occurring situations in which one will have absolutely no control over, and perhaps, then, ignorance provides the bliss it so commonly is expected of. As quoted in “Pearls of Eternity” by Bangambiki Habyarimana, “It’s better to be ignorant and live in bliss than know the truth and live in agony.”

On the contrary, however, ignorance also has its negative connotations that can be furthered to dangerous extents. Being willfully ignorant and unresponsive as an individual in this problematic society just makes it so that they are part of the persistent problem that makes it so difficult and nearly impossible to see and create change that we so desperately need.

There is a considerable price to pay for ignorance, and it’s not just the doer, or the bystander, that gets struck with the consequences.