“Ignorance is bliss” is a common idiomatic phrase that is used in everyday informal conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this commonly used phrase and the origin of the phrase. You will also find examples showing how to properly use this phrase in everyday conversations/statements, in addition to other ways to state the phrase in more literal terms.
Ignorance Is Bliss
Ignorance Is Bliss Meaning
The phrase “ignorance is bliss” means pretending not to know anything or acting as if you don’t know anything about about a situation in order to maintain your own happiness.
Origin of the idiom
Although variations of the phrase have been used since ancient times. the first appearance of “ignorance is bliss” appeared in 1742 in a poem by Thomas Gray titled Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.
“Ignorance Is Bliss” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement in a political newspaper article.
- “Many seem to think that when it comes to politics, ignorance is bliss.”
A statement made regarding a local incident.
- “I know there were many witnesses, but no one is coming forward. I guess ignorance is bliss.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: Have you been keeping up with the recent political happenings?
- Friend 2: No, when it comes to politics my philosophy is ignorance is bliss.
A conversation between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: Did you hear about Jan and why she got fired?
- Co-worker 2: No and I don’t want to know. Ignorance is bliss in situations such as these.
More useful examples:
- Some doctors believe ignorance is bliss and don’t give their patients all the facts.
- “I have my own theory: ignorance is bliss. The less you know, the more confident you can be in tackling things.” – Stephen Richards
- Thus, for animals in the absence of suffering, ignorance is bliss.
- In such cases, it could be that ignorance is bliss.
Other Ways to Say “Ignorance Is Bliss”
There are other ways to say “ignorance is bliss” using more literal terms. Things you could say that convey the same meaning include: what you don’t know can’t hurt you, there are some things better left unknown or I am much better off not knowing.
“Ignorance Is Bliss” synonyms list:
- Ignorance is good
- Ignorance is happiness
- Blissful ignorance
- Ignorance is delight
- What you don’t know can’t hurt you
Ignorance Is Bliss Meaning | Image
Last Updated on March 18, 2020
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