Ignorance is bliss

Meaning

The idiom "ignorance is bliss" means that sometimes, not knowing about something can lead to happiness or peace of mind. It suggests that ignorance can be a protective shield from stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions that come with knowledge or understanding.

Usage

• "I often wish I didn't know how much the car repair would cost. Ignorance is truly bliss!"
• "Sometimes, not knowing about a person's past can be a good thing. It allows you to appreciate them for who they are now."
• "The uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds can be liberating. It's like living in the present moment."
• "I'm happy that I don't know too much about politics. It just gives me too many headaches."
• "Ignorance can sometimes lead to a simpler, more carefree life. It's something to be grateful for."

Roots and History

The idiom "ignorance is bliss" has been around since at least the 17th century. One of the earliest recorded uses was by William Shakespeare in his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where he wrote, "And though he knew it not, yet he was happy." The phrase has since become a common expression used to describe the benefits of ignorance or the difficulties that come with knowledge.

Synonyms in English

• "Blissful ignorance"
• "Happy ignorance"
• "Ignorance's protection"
• "The bliss of not knowing"
• "The peace of not understanding"

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Je ne sais rien, donc je ne peux pas manquer." (I don't know anything, so I can't miss it.)
• German: "Man weiß nicht, was man sich nicht kümmern muss." (One knows not what one need not worry about.)
• Spanish: "Ignorancia es felicidad." (Ignorance is happiness.)
• Italian: "La felicità è nell'ignoranza." (Happiness is in ignorance.)
• Portuguese: "A falta de conhecimento é a beijadura do desconhecido." (The lack of knowledge is the kiss of the unknown.)

Similar Idioms

• fall on deaf ears

• if it’s not one thing, it’s the other

• in no time