I stumble across the phrase, "ignorance is bliss" more often than I would like to. It's an incredibly awkward and unusual phrase. Nevertheless, most of modern society accepts it either consciously or subconsciously. It makes me wonder, how much power are people forsaking? May I remind you of the other longstanding maxim; "Knowledge is Power."
So I decided to do some research. Where did this phrase come from? It turns out that in the 1700's, a man named Thomas Gray wrote the words for the first time. His background withstanding, the actual words belong in a context; "No more where ignorance is bliss / Tis folly to be wise."
This leads us to a very interesting perspective. Our very understanding of this famous saying is misconstrued. If you evaluate the real origin, you'll bare witness to Gray's humor and wit. He confuses us and at the same time, injects a powerful knowledge. The wise are the ones who value knowledge. The ignorant are the ones who generate folly. More accurately, Gray is using the words to showcase his nostalgia of being a young child, joyous and playful without much care.
Later, in the same "Ode," Gray refers to "a mirror in every mind." That powerful reference is completely opposite of the ideology spread by our current misunderstanding of ignorance is bliss. A mirror in every mind allows everyone to look at one another as an opportunity to witness the deep connection we have with anyone we come in contact with. A mirror in every mind is an opportunity to see how our own personality and character are reflected in those close to us.
From now on, please be conscious that ignorance is not bliss. Rather, Knowledge is POWER. The more you know, the more your neighbor knows, the more your community knows, the more security, prosperity and health you will all have. It's a very simple equation. The less you know, the more wars, disease and suffering you will all experience. Let us all wake up and use words that represent our true ambition.
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