Does It Bother You to Be Ignorant About Something?

It is a common human condition to be ignorant about many things. I find that some aspects of ignorance bother me, while others do not. For instance, when I discovered that H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds was published in 1898, it seemed the useless piece of trivia. But in a world filled with endless information, such ignorance can be a curious point of reflection.

Craving for Guidance and Information

There is often a desire to have someone with more knowledge to guide us when we are in the dark. In the absence of such resources, I find it challenging to navigate the depths of human ignorance. Occasionally, people provide their opinions on reality, but they are typically biased and repetitive. This is not helpful and often confounding. It's a mystery to me why such impersonal and one-sided opinions become so pervasive.

Ignoring Ignorance or Celebrating It

I do not seek to pontificate on things about which I have no knowledge. However, I find it equally bothersome when individuals celebrate their ignorance as if it were an achievement. This is particularly egregious because true knowledge often comes from an honest admission of what one does not know and a willingness to seek answers.

Embracing the Unknown

There is an inevitable realization that we cannot know everything. When faced with a challenge, I conduct a small amount of research to determine if I have the time or interest to learn the necessary skills, or if it is better to hire someone with the relevant expertise. A novelist’s inability to perform brain surgery is not a failure. Similarly, a brain surgeon who cannot play the guitar is not a failure. The point is that we all have different talents and specializations.

The Value of Seeking and Learning

Ignoring my ignorance is never a point of pride. If I open my mouth without the backing of knowledge, wisdom, or experience, it is pointless to speak. There is much knowledge out there to seek and learn. If my ignorance enters the conversation, I strive to correct this through further research. As they say, it's often better to listen, learn, and then repeat. This approach not only enriches our understanding but also builds trust among those who value critical thinking and open inquiry.

Embracing ignorance and knowledge is a journey of personal and professional growth. Let us celebrate our eagerness to learn and improve, rather than wallowing in our ignorance.