Mark Lilla, a Columbia University professor and author of "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know," dives into the fascinating tension between our desire to know and our instinct to remain blissfully ignorant. He discusses the psychological burden of constant news consumption and the allure of willful ignorance, questioning how it affects democracy today. Lilla explores the delicate balance of nurturing childhood innocence while also imparting essential knowledge, ultimately advocating for curiosity and emotional well-being in navigating our complex world.
Humans inherently grapple with the dual desires to know and avoid uncomfortable truths, reflecting a struggle with modern information overload.
Preparing younger generations for the complexities of reality is crucial, as shielding them from knowledge fosters unhelpful misconceptions about innocence.
Deep dives
The Human Dilemma of Knowledge and Ignorance
Humans experience a persistent internal conflict between the desire to know and the inclination to turn away from unpleasant realities. This struggle reflects a broader existential crisis fueled by the overwhelming influx of information and media coverage on global issues. Individuals often grapple with feelings of powerlessness and moral responsibility, leading them to question their complicity in societal challenges, such as environmental degradation. This conflict introduces what the speaker identifies as the 'will to ignorance,' where the avoidance of knowledge can stem from self-preservation and emotional exhaustion.
Information Overload and Trust Erosion
The current age of information overload poses a significant challenge for individuals trying to discern what is truly important amidst the noise. With real-time updates from around the world, people often struggle to filter out essential news from trivial distractions. This environment fosters a crisis of trust in various institutions, as individuals become inundated with conflicting narratives and struggle to find reliable sources. The speaker highlights how this overwhelming torrent of information can lead to a retreat from engagement, pushing people towards selective ignorance.
Historical Patterns and the Desire for Simplicity
Many individuals instinctively romanticize the past, believing it to be a simpler time devoid of the complexities and moral dilemmas faced today. This inclination arises not only from historical context but also from the psychological need to escape the discomfort of modern challenges. When confronting the overwhelming complexities of contemporary society, there is a tendency to seek straightforward narratives and blame specific groups or ideologies for societal issues. This mindset can create a fertile ground for political polarization and the pursuit of scapegoats instead of fostering nuanced understanding.
Preparing Future Generations for Reality
There is a vital need to prepare younger generations for the complexities and moral responsibilities of the world rather than shielding them from it. Discussions reveal that misconceptions about childhood innocence can lead to unproductive misconceptions about children being naturally devoid of knowledge. Instead of preserving innocence through ignorance, it is essential to cultivate self-awareness and resilience in young people, promoting their ability to engage with reality. By instilling these values, future generations can be better equipped to navigate societal challenges and contribute actively to their communities.
“Aristotle taught that all human beings want to know,” writes Columbia professor of humanities Mark Lilla, adding that “our own experience teaches us that all human beings also want not to know, sometimes fiercely so.” We’ll talk to Lilla about our innate disposition toward ignorance – whether about a political reality or an uncomfortable family secret. Lilla’s new book is “Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know.”
Guests:
Mark Lilla, professor of the humanities, department of history, Columbia University; http://marklilla.com/
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