We’ve all heard the common truisms: knowledge is power, and ignorance is bliss.
On the surface, they seem like simple clichés. But if you sit with them for a moment, you realize they describe two entirely different ways of existing in the world. One offers comfort; the other offers agency.
Ignorance == Bliss
First, let’s be clear about what "ignorance" actually means. It is defined as "the lack of knowledge in general, or in relation to a particular subject." Crucially, ignorance isn't synonymous with being "stupid," nor should it be used as an insult.
I consider myself quite bright, yet I am totally ignorant when it comes to the intricacies of brain surgery, the art of crochet, and the mechanics of model railroading (along with a few thousand other things).
Throughout my life, I’ve spent time around people with cognitive impairments or those suffering from dementia. One thing I noticed is that they often seemed happy. Because they are "uninformed" regarding the systemic stresses and anxieties that trouble the rest of us, they are often at peace with things exactly as they are.
I felt this tension personally growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment. My lack of ignorance regarding their claims about eternal damnation didn't bring me peace; instead, it led to a hell of a lot of sleepless nights.
While life is rarely black-and-white, the pattern is hard to ignore: ignorance often paves the way for immediate happiness, while knowing often introduces stress.
Knowledge == Power
If ignorance is the path to comfort, then knowledge is the path to capability.
Think about the practical milestones of your life. Learning to drive—did that empower you? What about learning a professional skill, like mastering spreadsheet software or learning to write code?
What about the foundational act of learning to read?
Sure, there are plenty of things we can learn that serve little purpose beyond winning a trivia game. But is there anything you can learn that doesn't, at the very least, have the potential to be empowering?
Herein lies the conflict: ignorance can make us happier, but knowledge makes us more powerful. When you look at the world through that lens, ask yourself: which of those two states do politicians and billionaires want for you?
The Motivation Behind the Narrative
This is where we have to stop asking "Is this true?" and start asking "What is their motivation?"
I'll be transparent about mine: if my words help even one person stop voting against the interests of the "99%," I’ll call that a success. If something written here encourages one person to stop relying on authority figures and instead choose to do their own research, I’ll be glowing with happiness.
Now, apply that same question to the voices that dominate our screens and pulpits:
What is the motivation of the ultra-wealthy when they convince you that Capitalism is the only reasonable economic system? What is the motivation of the politician—often bought and paid for by those same interests—to tell you that unions are detrimental? What is the motivation of the preacher who tells you to obey blindly or face everlasting hell?
Look at the current wave of book bannings. Think about it: in order to ban a book, they have to have read it (or at least read enough to judge it). They possess the knowledge within those pages, yet they are fighting tooth and nail to ensure you do not.
Ever wonder why?