If
Ignorance is bliss.
And if
Knowledge is power.
Then
One must choose between control and happiness.
Must one choose?
Or is there another choice in which these common sayings do not take into account?
2007-09-24 14:39:54 · 9 answers · asked by sirwasik 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
All six answers so far have considered power to be something admirable; to be lusted after. They also have mostly neglected the fact that one cannot live and not learn.
The Encyclopedia Britannica's "Great Ideas" Philosophy program (as part of the Great Books of the Western World) of a few decades ago listed "Wealth, Power and Fame as the three seducers of mankind. They were something to be avoided. But the acquisition of knowledge was defacto unavoidable if you live. What you learn and how you consent to apply it determines how blissful you are.
A newborn infant is usually blissful but not powerful in the sense the phrase "knowledge is power" implies but he has a powerful curiosity. As is so often unfortunately the case those with the power of knowledge (in the sense of control) beat this powerful curiosity out of the child and institute one or more of the 3 seducers as his/her guiding light. Thereby they become his/her only way to achieve bliss as is evident by those answers mentioned. What are the alternatives?
Since ignorance is impossible and power undesirable the three alternatives given by the Great Ideas Program may be preferable. They were: 1. The appreciation of Beauty, 2. The search for Truth, and 3. The exercise of Goodness. The pursuit of all three is bliss (Via the powerful curiosity God gave us) and all lead to a state of bliss.
Good luck, good health, peace and love!
2007-09-24 15:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Mac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance may occasionally be bliss, but that bliss usually does not last. Reality will show up.
Knowledge isn't temporary.
And, you can have knowledge about some things and be ignorant about others.
The true choice is ignorance or knowledge or stupidity. Stupidity is when you learn you are ignorant and don't care.
2007-09-24 14:49:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really a choice we make on purpose. People remain blissfully ignorant because they don't appreciate the value of power... they don't appreciate the advantages of control. Or else, they fear it. Knowledge and control can be a kind of happiness, too -- just not the kind of responsibility-free, innocent "bliss" that ignorance is.
2007-09-24 14:49:36 · answer #3 · answered by zilmag 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common sayings are almost always based on binary thinking. That's off base to start with. The universe is spectral.
2007-09-24 18:41:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since one cannot have knowledge of EVERYTHING, then it is blissful to be ignorant of SOME THINGS. This prevents overloading and short circuiting of our brain cells.
2007-09-24 14:44:12 · answer #5 · answered by MadameZ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would rather have the knowlege.
Power can bring happiness, but you can't get powerful just by smiling alot.
2007-09-24 14:44:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where does it say power us not bliss too.
2007-09-24 14:43:31 · answer #7 · answered by protoham 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you are not ignorant, then you have the power to do as you please and make yourself happy.
2007-09-24 14:45:23 · answer #8 · answered by Joann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be or not to be.
Should I, or shouldn't I ?
Should I stay or should I go.
2007-09-24 15:34:30 · answer #9 · answered by Roberto 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋