Ignorance

See also Stupidity.

Am ha-Arez

those negligent in or unobservant of Torah study. [Judaism: Wigoder, 26]

avidya

ignorance as cause of suffering through desire. [Hindu Phil.: Parrinder, 36]

Deane, Lucy

unaware of fiancé Stephen’s obvious relationship with Maggie. [Br. Lit.: The Mill on the Floss]

Dunsmen

opposers of Renaissance learning (14th century); hence, dunce. [Br. Hist.: Espy, 116]

Islayev, Arkady

so entrenched in work, oblivious to wife’s infidelities. [Russ. Lit.: A Month in the Country]

It Pays to Be Ignorant

panelists fail to answer such questions as “Which player on a baseball team wears a catcher’s mask?” [Am. Radio: Buxton, 120]

Lennie

big, strong, simple-minded ranch hand. [Am. Lit.: Of Mice and Men, Magill I, 672–674]

Newman, Alfred E.

cartoon character personifying ignorance as bliss: “What, me worry?” [Comics: “Mad” in Horn, 442]

Parable of the Cave

cave dwellers see only the shadows of reality. [Gk. Phil.: Republic]

Peppermint Patty

cartoon character habitually stumped by teacher and forever failing exams. [Comics: “Peanuts” in Horn, 543]

Scarecrow

goes to Wizard of Oz to get brains. [Am. Lit.: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]

Schweik

cheerful, feeble-minded character; the antithesis of German militarism. [Czech Lit.: The Good Soldier: Schweik, Magill IV, 390–392]

Sweat Hogs

class of incorrigible students majoring in remedial education. [TV: “Welcome Back, Kotter” in Terrace, II, 423]

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Common sense says that sometimes ignorance is bliss, and social psychologists Taylor and Brown claim that empirical research shows that people who are mildly deluded about their abilities, achievements, and future prospects are mentally healthier and happier than highly realistic people.

The Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 105, Issue 2, February 2008

Ignorance is bliss. Thinking, especially thinking too much about things that don't really need that much thinking about, is a curse.

Baking treasures beyond measure

Ignorance is bliss: Laughing Cameron is unaware her bag offends; Sightseeing: The star takes snaps

Diaz in bags of trouble

6), "I only see what I see and when all is said and done, your guess is as good as mine," it shows that feigned ignorance is bliss, as long as the clerical caste is in charge of the future of the Roman Catholic church.

Movements thwarted

Ignorance is bliss, especially for the computer-animated creatures in Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, Carlos Saldanha's energetic family adventure that will probably leave older audiences feeling a tad chilly.

Ice Age 2

Sara Mirski, development director with Leviev Boymelgreen, one of the most active, successful and highly capitalized developers in New York, believes women have a natural talent for the multi-tasking that today's residential industry requires and says ignorance is bliss when it comes to a glass ceiling.

Ladies turn the mean streets into Petticoat Lane

I guess ignorance is bliss: I felt that it was a good thing, so we pursued it, and they ended up filming here."

Costarring with OSHA

Ignorance is bliss: how the natural hosts for SIV infection remain healthy despite long-term, high-level virus replication.

Animal retroviral infections suggest third kind of potential treatment: HIV harm reduction