The title of this text, ‘Perhaps it is wisdom to be conscious of one’s lack of knowledge,’ is a quote from my post from the past entitled ‘The World.’
In that post, I delved into the concept of knowledge and its limitations, which has been a recurring theme in my personal reflections. I was so intrigued when I invented it that I decided to develop my insight from the past. The more I think about it, the more I convince myself that it is a pearl of true wisdom to know we know nothing at all. When I start resolving issues with doubts, I often end with certainities. Or, when I start solving problems with sureness, I usually end up with mistrust. For me, the lack of knowledge is a disadvantage only in my office work. Remember, my Dear Friend, I work in a broadly defined accountancy. Knowing how to calculate taxes and using Excel files is always better. Still, outside my professional job, I believe not knowing is a blessing.
How happy I am that I do not have to know everything that is going around me both on a micro and a macro scale.
It is not the case that I am not interested in it. After all, I’ve already read many books about the surrounding world, with popular scientific books about the Universe at the forefront. I am inquisitive about everything that surrounds me. Still, I am aware of my, and the whole of humankind’s, limitations in understanding all the processes occurring in our world. Speaking shortly: with each riddle solved, another tens or hundreds will appear. Understanding this world was, is, and will be a neverending journey for humankind.
Undoubtedly, it is a thrilling journey, full of adventures, from discovering other continents, landing on the Moon, and discovering medicines for seemingly uncurable illnesses.
Still, while thinking and writing about all these things, I lie comfortably on my couch without worrying I do not know as much as I should. At times, I find myself questioning my own wisdom, wondering if I’m simply ignorant or if I’ve found a unique form of contentment in my lack of knowledge. This internal debate often leads me to the conclusion that perhaps, in some ways, ignorance truly is bliss, a state of mind where the absence of knowledge can sometimes be a source of happiness and peace.
I think I’m dumb, or maybe just happy.
To paraphrase Nirvana’s tremendous lyrics from the ‘Dumb’ song, a track that has always resonated with me and often serves as a reminder that, frequently, it’s okay to not have all the answers.
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