Curbing Ignorance By Embracing Yours
Cultivating enthusiasm to learn.
Written by: Nina Cashman
Learnings from M.A. Happiness Studies / April 18, 2025
Ignorance. What does it even mean in today’s world, anyway?
Many seem quick to point their finger at others’ lack of knowledge. Yet, aren't we all ignorant to some extent? How can one obtain full knowledge or information on everything? Isn’t there always more to learn, well, about anything? Whether we are trying to gather all the facts, understand different perspectives, cultures, preferences, or make sense of science and data, at what point will we ever really know it all? Better yet, wouldn’t that be the point when we stop learning?
I see and hear many people preaching on their own pulpits of ignorance about how “ignorant” everybody else is. Of course, this is code for “everyone who doesn’t agree with me.” And it seems this is typically fear disguised as arrogance, or an unconscious way of saying “I’m too afraid, impatient, or disinterested in anything that could challenge my version of righteousness.”
When we are busy pointing out the “ignorance” of others, we often neglect to notice how little we understand about the world ourselves! We become so much smarter when we accept that ignorance is a human commonality rather than a point of division.
Benjamin Franklin is attributed with saying,
“It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins” (Laurens, 1800).
Of course, seeking knowledge and our willingness to learn are key ingredients to thinking for ourselves, discerning how we want to live, innovating, and evolving as humans. Nevertheless, it seems there’s something much deeper than ignorance that leads to tyranny – and that is apathy, or the lack of enthusiasm to always keep learning. I’d go so far as to revise Dr. Franklin’s quote to read,
“It is in the region of apathy that tyranny begins.”
Interestingly, apathy for learning often begins when we claim to know more than anyone else. We lose motivation to learn when we think we already have all the answers. The great master Lao Tzu wrote in his Tao Te Ching,
“The Tao (the Way) is like the emptiness of a vessel; and in our employment of it, we must be on our guard against all fullness. How deep and unfathomable it is, as if it were the Honoured Ancestor of all things” (Lao Tzu, translated by James Legge, 1891).
We become ignorant when we are too full of what we already know. A “know-it-all” does not care enough to learn more about a new topic, person, or perspective.
It seems our enthusiasm for learning is the key ingredient to curb the world's ignorance. So, how do we cultivate and maintain enthusiasm as individuals and as a society?
Instead of pointing out everyone else’s ignorance, we could stay open and curious about tradition, invention, creativity, and courage.
Stay Open to Tradition
In his article, “Invitation to History,” the great historian and author Will Durant wrote,
“One who knows that record is in large measure protected in advance against the delusions and disillusionments of his time. He has learned the limitations of human nature, and bears with equanimity the faults of his neighbors and the imperfections of states” (Durant, 2004).
Our reflection on history, whether it be historical events or human knowledge in the fields of philosophy, arts, morals, manners, skills, economics, religion, literature, science, and government, not only provides an endless sea of learning opportunities but also keeps us thirsty to learn. Understanding the history of human fallibility reminds us to remain humble about our own knowledge, or lack thereof.
Be Open and Creative
A creative mind knows there is always more than meets the eye. Just knowing this sparks imagination for what could be, making room for exciting potential. The article “The Power and Peril of Praising Your Kids” (Bronson, 2007) cites a study conducted by the renowned psychologist Carol Dweck.
The study shows that children who were praised for their intelligence underperformed in nonverbal IQ tests, compared to those children who were instead praised for their efforts. Dweck writes,
“Of those praised for their intelligence, a majority chose the easy test. The ‘smart’ kids took the cop-out” (Bronson, 2007).
It appears that when we accept our ignorance, we are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. This makes us more inclined to put in the effort, tinker, create, and play, which leads to the next point.
Get Curious and Inventive
Nothing is fixed. In fact, throughout the ages, philosophers have referenced change as the only constant. Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote,
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he’s not the same man” (Heraclitus, 2016).
As a renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Norman Doidge points out in his research, the brain has the remarkable capability to change itself –
“The brain is always plastic, but it can give rise to both flexible and rigid behaviors. Once those rigid networks are established, they tend to outcompete others. What we do in our lives in repetition causes rigidity in the brain… reinforcing behaviors” (Doidge, 2025).
So, to curb ignorance, we may want to stay open to new and different ways of thinking.
Live Courageously
In a world where many people prefer to stay focused on what is wrong or not working, maintaining enthusiasm can sometimes feel like an act of courage. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, feeling inspired to learn new things is challenging when we fear others' criticism. Dare we get labeled “ignorant” for attempting something novel, or seeing challenges as opportunities for growth?
In one of my favorite poems, author Samuel Ullman writes –
“Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear, and despair – these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust” (Ullman, 2014).
If we want to curb the world’s ignorance, it seems necessary to first accept it as a natural state of our humanity. This acceptance sows the seeds of enthusiasm, promoting better listening, learning, understanding, and growth. Only with enthusiasm to know more can we extract lessons from the past, create more than we see, appreciate all that is new, and boldly live by our ideals.
So, by fully embracing our collective ignorance, not dismissing or reprimanding it, governments, schools, communities, and individuals have always been, and always will be, more motivated and driven to become more knowledgeable and less ignorant.
Isn’t it funny how opposites attract ; )?
I will end with this great quote from the “Tao Te Ching” –
“The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose)” (Lao Tzu, translated by James Legge, 1891).
References
Bronson, P. (2007, February 9). The Power (and Peril) of Praising Your Kids -- New York Magazine - Nymag. New York Magazine. https://nymag.com/news/features/27840/
Doidge, Dr. N., & BrainCoreOhio. (2025). Dr Norman Doidge , The Brain That Changes Itself full show. Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/sK51nv8mo-o?si=N3JKGYAgx2rsemOR
Heraclitus. (2016). Readings in Ancient Greek Philosophy from Thales to Aristotle (S. M. Cohen, P. Curd, & C. D. C. Reeve, Eds.; Fifth Edition). Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Laurens, H. (1800). The Life and Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. Google Books; Brightly & Childs. https://friendsoffranklin.org/where-the-religion-of-ignorance-begins/
Tzu, L., James, L., & The Internet Classics Archive. (1891). The Internet Classics Archive | The Tao-te Ching by Lao-tzu. Classics.mit.edu. https://classics.mit.edu/Lao/taote.1.1.html
Ullman, S., & Pave Your Way. (2014, December 4). Pave Your Way®. Pave Your Way®. https://www.paveyourway.com/blog-2/2014/12/4/my-favorite-poem
Will Durant Foundation. (1945). Will Durant: Invitation to History. Www.will-Durant.com. https://www.will-durant.com/invitation.htm