Ignorance is Bliss – Meaning, Origin & Usage
“Ignorance is bliss” is such a well known phrase that it’s almost cliche. But where did this saying come from? What does it mean, and how is it meant to be used? That’s what this article explores…
What does “ignorance is bliss” mean?
“Ignorance is bliss” is an idiom which means that it can be more comfortable to not know something than to know it.
Historical origins of the phrase
The phrase ignorance is bliss originates from a poem by Thomas Gray, called Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College published in 1742. The specific line reads “where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise”. In the poem, Gray is saying that it’s better for people to be blissfully unaware of their fate.
Famous uses of the phrase
The third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, 1743–1826, is known to have once said “If ignorance is bliss, why aren’t more people happy?”. He is also quoted as saying “Ignorance is preferable to error; and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing, than he who believes what is wrong.”
Philosophical interpretations
There are those who say that “not knowing about others’ actions or events can shield us from the associated stress and emotional turmoil”.But how true is this? On the one hand unawareness of facts may spare us much anxiety, but it can also delude us to a happy approval of situations that are inherently dangerous.
Psychologists believe that ignorance can be intentional or unintentional. Intentional ignorance or denial prevents us from understanding challenges and tolerating difficult inner states. As a result, it becomes an obstacle to psychological well-being. Ignorance may often be blissful in the short term, but avoiding an issue can make it worse.
There are also those who maintain that happiness is a choice. However, there is also the phenomenon of the paradox of choice. Being aware of options you regret not choosing, whether it’s a product or a particular behaviour can cause distress, and it’s in these sort of circumstances that one might agree with the phrase “ignorance is bliss”.
Similar sayings and expressions
“In blissful ignorance” is another expression that means not knowing any of the unpleasant facts about something. For example, “All the time his business was failing, he kept his wife and family in blissful ignorance”.
Practical examples of the phrase in everyday life
Here follows some examples of the phrase being used in different contexts.
- “I’d rather not read the reviews before seeing a movie – ignorance is bliss afterall.”
- “He never keeps up with the news or cares about the troubles in the world because he believes that ignorance is bliss”.
- “We are told that ignorance is bliss, but in a court of law it is no defense to plead ignorance of the law”.
Final word
The phrase “ignorance is bliss” means it can be more comfortable to not know something than to know it. The phrase comes from the 1880’s when it was used by poet Thomas Gray, but it still has relevance today, and can be used in multiple contexts.
