Ignorance - What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You

• Ignorance Definition

Ignorance is a lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about something. It essentially means that you are unaware or uninformed about a particular subject.

The saying what you don't know can't hurt you suggests that ignorance may be a shield against worry or pain. However, this is a dubious maxim. While sometimes ignorance may offer a temporary reprieve from difficult truths, it may lead to negative consequences when you are unaware of potential dangers or opportunities.

Saying what you don't know can't hurt you is ridiculous. What you don't know may kill you. If you don't know that tractor trailer trucks hurt when they hit you, then go stand in the middle of the interstate with no fear, and see what happens !

In many crucial aspects of life, what you don't know absolutely will hurt you. Think of health diagnoses, financial pitfalls, and basic safety precautions.

However, there are specific, nuanced situations where a lack of knowledge, or rather, a deliberate choice not to delve into certain information, indeed shields us from unnecessary distress. It's in these limited contexts that the saying finds its element of truth.

Let's explore two examples where what you don't know can't hurt you might hold water.

The Surprise Party Planner ~ Imagine you're planning a surprise birthday party for a close friend. You've meticulously arranged everything: the venue, the catering, the guest list, and even a custom-made cake.

Now, imagine if, throughout the planning process, you were privy to every minor hiccup, every last-minute cancellation, every small disagreement among the organizers, and then ...

Aunt Carol just cancelled, she has a cold! The bakery called, they're running 15 minutes late with the cake, and the balloons you ordered are the wrong shade of blue!

If you knew every single one of these minor issues as they arose, your stress levels would likely skyrocket. You'd be constantly worrying, trying to troubleshoot, and potentially spoiling the fun for yourself.

However, if you, as the guest of honor, remained blissfully unaware of these small bumps in the road, the eventual reveal of the perfectly executed surprise party would be pure joy. The minor struggles of the organizers, unknown to you, didn't diminish your happiness. In fact, your ignorance allowed for a more profound and unadulterated delight.

In this case, what you didn't know (the behind-the-scenes stresses) truly didn't hurt you.

The Unseen Online Comment ~ Consider a scenario where you've shared a creative project online, perhaps a piece of art, a short story, or a new recipe.

The vastness of the internet means that for every positive comment, there's a chance of encountering negativity, criticism, or even outright hateful remarks. If you were to meticulously read every single comment, good or bad, you would inevitably stumble upon some harsh feedback.

This could be disheartening, demotivating, and even lead to self-doubt, regardless of the overall positive reception. However, if you choose to limit your exposure to comments, perhaps by only engaging with direct messages or turning off notifications for public comments, you might never see the hurtful ones.

In this instance, not knowing about a few negative comments protects your emotional well-being and allows you to focus on the positive feedback and the joy of creating. The existence of those negative comments doesn't inherently harm your project or your talent; it's your awareness of them that causes distress. By remaining ignorant of the specific harsh words, you shield yourself from their potential emotional impact.

Summary ....

While the phrase what you don't know can't hurt you should be approached with caution, there are indeed situations where a lack of specific, non-critical information will contribute to peace of mind and prevent unnecessary worry. It's about discerning when ignorance is truly bliss, and when it's a dangerous blind spot. Knowing the difference is key to navigating life effectively.

                            -------------------------

• If you live and work in Israel, English For Israel is here for you, offering

• Business English tuition

• Development of self-confidence when speaking English

• Professional English CVs

• Read my references

• Telephone 053 7120720

• Email: englishforisrael770@gmail.com