ignorance
Is ignorance a bad thing? The answer is mostly yes, but not necessarily. If a person is ignorant of being ignorant, can that be bad? Where the bad might come in is when a person knows they are ignorant and knowledge is available to them and yet they choose to remain in ignorance. It seems to me that knowledge would necessitate action and the action required would be to move from the person’s particular state of ignorance toward the available knowledge.
Since a person who is ignorant is lacking in knowledge or training, unlearned, uninformed or unaware, could we not all be considered ignorant in one area or another? What if a well-informed person claims or acts as though they know a particular subject and yet do not – could that be considered double ignorance? Then if they act on what they claim to know and don’t, wouldn’t that go all the way to triple ignorance or just be considered double dumb?
Was it ignorant to make my evening walk in a light rain? Not in the strictest sense because I was informed and aware of the precipitation – possibly bordering dumb though. Was the cicada that screamed its song at me ignorant for being out in the rain? Where else was it going to be? It might be considered ignorant from a human standpoint but between cicadas this one might have been the most learned one out there. The crickets were there too, so wetness loved company in this case.
How then does ignorance relate to apathy and/or indifference – and is there a difference between the two latter words? While apathy carries the same lack of interest or concern, it goes further than indifference in that it shows an absence or suppression of passion, emotion or excitement. Then if an ignorant person was also just indifferent, according to that definition, couldn’t they possibly show passion, emotion or excitement about remaining that way?
Are there some that are not truly apathetic but just appear so because they are lazy? Many times a person appearing to be apathetic will come to life if you approach a subject of their interest – even if it is nothing more than collecting lists of the apathetic people in their lives. Is there such a thing as selective apathy? Could a person be truly apathetic if a single subject excites them? Wouldn’t they be a closet caring person – even if all they cared about was mediocrity?
Wouldn’t the worst part of the truly apathetic – if there were such a thing – be the numbness, coolness, emotionless-ness and total lack of feeling? Do they really track down, trap and kill any emotion that might break into their demeanor? Can these folks ever feel anything again?
Since God made us, I also believe He can also remake us – in the spiritual but also in every other way. Spiritual ignorance, indifference or even apathy can be changed into something useful in the Kingdom of God. He can give us a passion and excitement about helping others improve their lot in life, especially in this most important spiritual part. But He will not force us to enjoy life; it has to be our choice. ec
Since a person who is ignorant is lacking in knowledge or training, unlearned, uninformed or unaware, could we not all be considered ignorant in one area or another? What if a well-informed person claims or acts as though they know a particular subject and yet do not – could that be considered double ignorance? Then if they act on what they claim to know and don’t, wouldn’t that go all the way to triple ignorance or just be considered double dumb?
Was it ignorant to make my evening walk in a light rain? Not in the strictest sense because I was informed and aware of the precipitation – possibly bordering dumb though. Was the cicada that screamed its song at me ignorant for being out in the rain? Where else was it going to be? It might be considered ignorant from a human standpoint but between cicadas this one might have been the most learned one out there. The crickets were there too, so wetness loved company in this case.
How then does ignorance relate to apathy and/or indifference – and is there a difference between the two latter words? While apathy carries the same lack of interest or concern, it goes further than indifference in that it shows an absence or suppression of passion, emotion or excitement. Then if an ignorant person was also just indifferent, according to that definition, couldn’t they possibly show passion, emotion or excitement about remaining that way?
Are there some that are not truly apathetic but just appear so because they are lazy? Many times a person appearing to be apathetic will come to life if you approach a subject of their interest – even if it is nothing more than collecting lists of the apathetic people in their lives. Is there such a thing as selective apathy? Could a person be truly apathetic if a single subject excites them? Wouldn’t they be a closet caring person – even if all they cared about was mediocrity?
Wouldn’t the worst part of the truly apathetic – if there were such a thing – be the numbness, coolness, emotionless-ness and total lack of feeling? Do they really track down, trap and kill any emotion that might break into their demeanor? Can these folks ever feel anything again?
Since God made us, I also believe He can also remake us – in the spiritual but also in every other way. Spiritual ignorance, indifference or even apathy can be changed into something useful in the Kingdom of God. He can give us a passion and excitement about helping others improve their lot in life, especially in this most important spiritual part. But He will not force us to enjoy life; it has to be our choice. ec
posted by mreddie | 11:59 PM
5 Comments:
That's quite a good discussion of epistemology, Mr. E. Thank you for raising the questions.
Hi Mr.Eddie ~~ What about the saying "Ignorance is bliss?" Glad you liked the waterfall I posted, sorry about the food. Take care, Regards,
Merle.
Very interesting post, EC.
...Something for you at Junie's Place!
June
I met a man through my Work today. He was in appearance, not someone I'd hoped to meet in a dark alley, or a sunshiney street. He was a heavily tattooed, leather-wearing biker-type.
During our 20 minute conversation, he told me how long he'd been clean (November 4, 2004), and that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He was so excited to be alive, and adamant that his friend who's in a halfway house, get clean and get to know Jesus.
All this man cared about was telling people about Jesus' love for them.
I was the ignorant one, but now I know Billy and I am not ignorant any longer. Praise God!
SSN - Many questions are pondered, as are many answers but sometimes the one doesn't match the other. :)
merle - We have all seen many blissful folks haven't we. :) Don't be sorry about the food, you are inspiring me but sometimes the hour is too late to do anything about the inspiration.
junierose - Thanks, I will check it out.
jayleigh - All heaven was rejoicing when he found Christ - I want to see that and be a part of it someday. ec
Post a Comment
<< Home