FreeThinker619
Member
i was wondering what is some of you guys thoughts on this. personally i feel it is in error.
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Is ignorance REALLY bliss?
- Thread starter FreeThinker619
- Start date
fallingblood
Agnostic Theist
For some, I think ignorance is bliss. It allows them to hold on to their preconceived notions without any chance of them being questioned. For those who are unwilling, or simply can't learn, it can be ideal.
I think I was happier in some ways years ago when I ignorantly believed a lot of conservative notions about free markets, nearly limitless opportunities, abolishing corporate taxes, and the desirability of eliminating most government regulations. It seems to me now that things were less complex then, easier to think about, and more promising. So, yeah, I think there's something to the notion that ignorance is bliss.
On the other hand, I wouldn't give up what I know today, just to return to that earlier up-beat optimism. "Bliss" isn't everything. Not even close to everything.
On the other hand, I wouldn't give up what I know today, just to return to that earlier up-beat optimism. "Bliss" isn't everything. Not even close to everything.
Caladan
Agnostic Pantheist
When I'm having a nice mug of coffee and munch on an apple crumble, without my conversation partner informing me about general sanitation failures of cafes, then ignorance is indeed bliss.
When I'm giving a presentation, and I missed a vital detail in my info, then ignorance is a pain in the butt.
Like Willamena said, you have to appreciate the world of metaphors and their meanings more. Most idioms and phrases aren't usually meant to be taken literally.
I would say no, ignorance isnt bliss. Too many things you dont know of can hurt you a lot no matter if you know of them or not... hell, I rather know where a minefield is so I wont accidently walk into it. On the other hand there are no minefields where I live so maybe that wasnt the best example
.
That's taking it literally. It's a figure of speech: it doesn't have to be useful for every instance of ignorance, it just has to be meaningful for those times when it is useful.I would say no, ignorance isnt bliss. Too many things you dont know of can hurt you a lot no matter if you know of them or not... hell, I rather know where a minefield is so I wont accidently walk into it. On the other hand there are no minefields where I live so maybe that wasnt the best example
Skwim
Veteran Member
That. ↑
Kilgore Trout
Misanthropic Humanist
Depends on the person and situation.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Sometimes knowledge is bliss.
Sometimes even misery is bliss.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Sometimes knowledge is bliss.
Sometimes even misery is bliss.
Context:
To each his sufferings: all are men
Condemned alike to groan
The tender for another's pain
The unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate
Since sorrow never comes too late
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No morewhere ignorance is bliss
'Tis folly to be wise.
-Thomas Gray
I was just using the first best example my brain could think of to illustrate my view
. And I cant think of any example where I personally would prefer ignorance over knowing something. At least not at this time.You are correct, though. I might be taking it to literally.
psychoslice
Veteran Member
If ignorance is truly bliss, why are there so many miserable people in the world, so no ignorance certainly isn't bliss.
KaiHallarn111
New Member
Not only that, but why are so many ignorant people miserable?
Well, I gotta largely agree with Gray. A lot of what seems to keep people going -- let alone happy -- is the often back-of-the-mind anticipation that the future will bring something better to them.
psychoslice
Veteran Member
Their miserable because they are trying to find happiness outside of their self, when true bliss is found within, its who you are. The same as love, its only found within you, if you search outside for love you will never be satisfied.
psychoslice
Veteran Member
Yes but what they believe to know isn't of any help, because what they should know, they don't know.
True, alas.
BSM1
What? Me worry?
Yes but what they believe to know isn't of any help, because what they should know, they don't know.
Now you're just messin' with me