Which is better, to be ignorant and blissful or to be aware yet burdened by the troubles of the world?

Question

A young boy asks an old man, what is life's biggest burden? Why son, says the old man, the biggest burden in life it to have no burden at all...

...However there's something to be said for happiness.

What do you think?

Answer 1

The whole point of being aware and burdened, is that it is usually people like you who end up making changes in the world. Even small changes. These changes can lead to feelings of satisfaction, and even happiness.
People who are ignorant, are only seemingly blissful. If they hit a snag in the road, they feel that there is nothing they can do about it, because things are the way the are, and therefore unchangeable.

Answer 2

I believe that there are distinct differences between ignorance and bliss.

I also believe that being aware has little or nothing to do with burdening oneself with/by the "troubles of the world".

Ignorance is just that--ignorance, and no forward motion (progress, etc) can be made "in ignorance". The only things that ignorance ensures are continued or persistent "mistakes and errors".

Depending upon what/which definition you and others are using, I could agree that a certain degree of "blissfullness" can be helpful--as long as it does NOT lead to putting ones' head in the sand.

I believe that the concept of "divine carelessness" is a far better approach than mindless 'bliss'.

As far as the "troubles of the world" go, one can choose to burden themselves with such things if so desire. However, are you not, and are we not--all part of "the world", and the "troubles" thereof?

So, why not start with working on, and/or owning your OWN "troubles"?

I believe that the BIGGEST burden ANYONE can bear is not being able, or not realizing that they can make a DECISION--or refusing to make one--or allowing themselve to be 'paralyzed' into INdecision!!!

Happiness?

What's that?

Is what makes you "happy" the same as what makes ALL "the world" happy--and vice versa?

I dont' think so.

Now, I will agree that there is something to be said about being able to PURSUE happiness--and that is done through being able to freely and endlessly pursue goals and new goals--all which occurs throught the exercise of THE POWER OF DECISION.

If you and others are unfamiliar with the "power of decision", I invite you to read the following collection of quotes at the following URL/link:

http://www.freeread.com/archives/decision_quotes.php

Regards,

Answer 3

I'd say ask the German civilians who lived near extermination camps during World War II. It definitely made it easier for them to live at the time, but what was the burden on their consciences after the horrors were revealed?

I think it's better for everyone to know the troubles in the world and understand all of our connections to it. Happiness isn't extinguished by such knowledge, but other people's happiness may be contingent on our knowing.

Peace

Answer 4

I think that being ignorant and blissful is more fulfilling than otherwise. If someone is constantly mindful of the world and its troubles, they will have little room for happiness.

Ignorance is only a burden to those who must tolerate it. That's why those who aren't as cognizant of their problems or wrongdoings don't feel remorse.

Answer 5

Perhaps you are happy being ingorant, but it is an empty happiness because you don't understand the workings of the world around you. You would still wonder about why things were happening, but too stupid to ask why.

But if you had knowledge, then you would be burdened, but you could be part of the solution, too. You just need to think!

Answer 6

No, that is strictly a myth...the ignorant go through life sensing a rather uncomfortable rod, not shoved, but placed into their rectum - thus causing this; "('where is it - WHAT is it' I feel stuck some place I'd have difficulty to reach, as to remove!) kind of unnerving yet dull feeling. That is what first entered my mind, as first impression! Therefore, ignorance, were it to be thus, would hardly be blissful at all!

Answer 7

You have set up a flawed premise...that is, that being blissful and aware are mutually exclusive. I do not believe they are.

Only a mind that is aware has the power to create within, without and about itself, a state of bliss. The unaware mind is blown by the wind of circumstance. The aware knows that he is equal to or greater than any circumstance.

So yes....there is something to be said for happiness. Especially if you are aware!

Answer 8

To be aware. With awareness comes the knowledge of how to address the burdens of the world.

Answer 9

We cannot be TOTALLY ignorant, the human race are curious and so we will always know about the troubles in this world. The real question is how much of the troubles do we know about or care to know about, after all, does knowing about conflict diamonds on sale over here will put you off having your breakfast?
Just concentrate on your neighborhood first before going nationwide or globally.

Answer 10

I think we should IGNORE the news, the newspapers, the news on the internet, and concern ourselves with our daily lives. Good and Bad. If we worry about the world, we will have no time to live!!

I am 55 years old and when I was 18 - they were fighting in the middle east. Suprise! They are STILL fighting.