KERA's Think
The psychology of willful ignorance
Jan 9, 2025
Mark Lilla, a Columbia University humanities professor and author of "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know," discusses the allure of willful ignorance in our information-saturated lives. He explores Plato's cave allegory, revealing how we dodge uncomfortable truths for comfort. The conversation delves into misanthropy's impact on knowledge, critiques of nostalgic mindsets, and the tension between certainty and evolving information. Lilla emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, especially in light of societal challenges and conspiracy theories.
46:29
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Quick takeaways
- The struggle between the desire for knowledge and the comfort of ignorance highlights a human tendency to avoid discomfort for emotional relief.
- Nostalgia acts as a collective coping mechanism, oversimplifying the past, which can foster reactionary politics and hinder a deeper understanding of societal issues.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Knowledge and Ignorance
The perception of being out of the loop can lead individuals to a compulsive desire for knowledge, as knowledge often equates to power. However, people display a simultaneous inclination towards ignorance, often to maintain comfort in their lives. This will to ignorance is evident in daily scenarios, such as the preference for surprises during holidays or not wanting to know specific outcomes of life events, which highlights a human desire for simplicity and emotional relief. This dual nature illustrates how people navigate complex emotional landscapes, managing their appetite for knowledge against the discomfort that comes with it.
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