IGNORANCE IS CERTAINLY one of the biggest problems in the world today, but not because it is harmful in and of itself; rather, the harm occurs when ill-advised actions are the unintended result.You see, ignorance is a barrier that has been thrust between an individual and the world around him. Unfortunately, its stained and grimy windows distort the outside world, causing man to view an inaccurate depiction of reality on which he is likely to base future decisions. And therein lies the danger.
While the skeptic may scoff at such statements and claim that 'Ignorance is bliss', I would forcefully argue otherwise and counter that such men have merely fooled themselves into a state of bliss, and that folly can never lead to true happiness. In fact, ignorance is more like the mischievous imp who attempts to trick man into taking a detour from true happiness, rather than the kind angel who would point him in the right direction.
In order to combat its detrimental effects, man must concede his ignorance in areas that fall under its lingering shadow and refrain from carrying out decisions which have resulted from an impaired judgment. Only then will he inch closer to wisdom, for a wise man is one who acknowledges his own ignorance...
(Thank you to reader 'Izzy' for inspiring this question)
I like your conception of ignorance as a dirty window that blurs one's vision of reality. Usually that dirt is one's own thoughts, the things one thinks one knows.
I agree. These grimy windows are the result of being judgmental and arrogance: My world view is final and authoritative. This blocks any light coming through the window of observation and experience. The stream of knowledge just gets blocked - man is then condemned to the darkness of ignorance.
@nothingprofound:
I completely agree. One ironically becomes his own worst enemy in that regard.
@Meam Wye:
I like the metaphor you used (ie; ignorance = being in darkness). I agree, it's unfortunate that so many people condemn themselves to this fate.
Thank you both for your insights, and have a wonderful day, my friends...
Very true, my dear Socrates, very true.
Man has been living with ignorance since the beginning of time, hence the reason why he never seems to learn from his past mistakes.
Hopefully Man can eventually dispel the darkness of ignorance before it's too late.
Self-knowledge is the key,
"Be a light unto yourself" ~Jiddu Krishnamurti
Jason,
I agree, my friend, and that is a terrific (and very relevant) quote. Thank you for sharing.
I totally agree with you, dear Socrates. Our ignorance of others comes out of our slavery to personal bodies, the blindness to the heavenly colors- typically the errors come out in the result of our wandering around without the spiritual light.
I think my picture http://dayfly.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/warning-silence/ reflect all the above. Our ignorance force us to choose only what please us and neglect all the warnings.
Tomas,
So very true, my friend. I appreciate your comment, and I would also like to thank you for inviting me to see your artwork. In fact, I just viewed it a second ago. Fantastic.