Ignorance is Bliss… The Responsibility of Knowing
Written By: Chenita “Infinite Apex” Dickerson
Have you ever said or thought that you wish you didn’t know certain things? Ever had information stuck in your head that you really could have done without? Is the concept of knowing everything really necessary?
Once you know information, one can never go back to the art of ignorance. I say “art” because it’s sometimes a beautiful creation to not know or to be unaware of things that ultimately mean you and your spirit no good. We live in a society where knowledge is every where; the internet allows us to find out information in the second of the moment. We can track a person with GPS without them even knowing it. You can research your neighbors and know all their business. My question is: what, if anything, does knowing everything impart into one’s life?
With knowledge comes a great responsibility; you are responsible for how you react to the knowledge given you. Should you keep the information to yourself or spread it like a germ? Knowledge, like death, is permanent. There are no “woops” in knowing.
Who knew that putting an ice cream in your back pocket in Texas was against the law? Imagine the look on the first person’s face that was charged with that crime.
I accidentally saw nude pictures of someone that I would have rather not seen. (seriously) I can hope and wish all day, but the truth is I know what they look like and I’m not happy. I don’t want them to know and I don’t want to know either, but I do. In this regard, I wish I was ignorant.
Sometimes we may befriend someone and allow them to confide in us, but we must be careful who we let unload their garbage or baggage in our lives. We must live with the knowledge of others’ truth. Who would want to know personal things about people you work with daily, or who is cheating on whom behind their backs? It’s nerve-racking keeping up with our own crap. Even if given the chance to go back, I believe would have left that apple on the tree and Adam would have said he wasn’t hungry! Knowledge for them ultimately meant turmoil, work, and death. My favorite quote that I made up is, “Curiosity killed man; not the cat.”
With knowledge comes a great responsibility; you are responsible for how you react to the knowledge given you. Should you keep the information to yourself or spread it like a germ?
Just as the Bible states, “…those who know the way will be beat with many lashes…” If you know, you may have to lie or, better yet, tell the truth. I know as a child I hated hearing people tell me that I was in more trouble than anyone else because I knew better. Sometimes, we can get out of trouble just by acknowledging ignorance. I would say I didn’t know who broke something before I would get someone else in trouble. In court, though, it’s not that cut and dry. Ignorance of the law is no excuse; sucks, but it’s true. I mean, who knew that putting an ice cream in your back pocket in Texas was against the law? Imagine the look on the first person’s face that was charged with that crime.
Those of us who know important, life-changing information must share the knowledge and spread the truth. “To whom much is given, much is required.” What the much is, I don’t know. That’s why sometimes it’s easier to say, “I don’t know.” I personably believe that the “I don’t know” statement should be burned. It’s like saying, “Whatever. Leave me alone or ask someone else…” Basically, a copout for not taking on any responsibility in finding out what one doesn’t know.
I know things I wish I didn’t know, about myself especially. Long gone are the moments of riding big wheels, buying penny candy from the corner store, and no bills. Now, I know about life and all its responsibilities and I sometimes long to be blissfully ignorant.
