KQED's Forum Mark Lilla on the Power of Ignorance
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Jan 2, 2025 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.
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The Duality of Witnessing
- People want to look, but also look away from disturbing events, like car crashes or mass violence.
- This internal conflict reveals our internal struggles with wanting and not wanting to know.
Information Overload and Trust
- The erosion of trust in institutions might stem from information overload, rather than being the primary cause.
- The challenge lies in discerning what truly matters amidst the constant influx of information.
Idealizing the Past
- Overwhelmed by present issues, people idealize a simpler past and seek explanations for current problems.
- This can fuel political reactions, with different groups assigning blame to various perceived perpetrators.