Ignorance is Bliss

[EXTRAPOLATER]

I used to have a lot more enthusiasm for rationality--however one defines it--so I have historically had a rather antagonistic relationship with this phrase. It's been annoyingly appearing all over my reality, lately, so I've been forced to slay some more brain cells by reconsidering my stance.

Spoiler alert, some kind of psychological placebo/nocebo effect would be the best evidence in favor of the phrase, which I think is what was originally meant. Just asked google,

Q: what is the origin of the aphorism "ignorance is bliss"?

AI Overview

The aphorism "ignorance is bliss" originated in the 18th century from the English poet Thomas Gray. He used the phrase "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise" in his poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College (1742). The saying suggests that not knowing certain things can lead to a more peaceful or happy state than being aware of them.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Thomas Gray's Poem:
  The specific phrase "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise" appears in the final stanza of Gray's poem, which reflects on the contrast between the carefree childhood and the sorrows of adulthood.
  
  
• Context of the Poem:
  The poem explores the idea that knowledge can bring pain and suffering, and that youthful ignorance is preferable to the knowledge of future hardships.
  
  
• Meaning of the Saying:
  The saying implies that a lack of knowledge can shield one from worries, anxieties, and sorrows that might otherwise be experienced if one were aware of certain facts or situations.
  
  
• Later Interpretations:
  While the phrase originates from Gray's poem, it has been used and interpreted in various ways throughout history. For example, President Thomas Jefferson also commented on the phrase, questioning why, if ignorance is bliss, more people aren't happy.
  
  
• Modern Usage:
  The saying continues to be used today, often in situations where someone chooses to remain unaware of something potentially negative or unpleasant.
  
  

 

[EXTRAPOLATER]

Can never add after those copy & pastes; formatting super funky.

Just going bananas tonight and needed distraction. Thought it was interesting.

Real grey area on how to play that ignorance card, aye?
I know a few people who are all about, hear no evil.
Some truths hurt, and they're supposed to.
To each their own.

 

[EXTRAPOLATER]

AI Overview


The "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" proverb and its iconic representation with three monkeys originated in Japan. It is believed to have roots in Buddhist teachings and was popularized by carvings at the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan, dating back to the 17th century. The monkeys are known as Mizaru (covering his eyes), Kikazaru (covering his ears), and Iwazaru (covering his mouth).

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Japanese Origin:
  The proverb and the imagery of the three monkeys are distinctly Japanese.
  
  
• Buddhist Influence:
  It's thought to have been influenced by Buddhist teachings, potentially from China, and is associated with the concept of avoiding negative influences and maintaining moral purity.
  
  
• Tōshō-gū Shrine:
  The famous carvings at the Tōshō-gū Shrine in Nikkō, Japan, are a key element in popularizing the motif.
  
  
• The Three Monkeys:
  The monkeys are named Mizaru (not seeing), Kikazaru (not hearing), and Iwazaru (not speaking).
  
  
• Symbolic Meaning:
  The monkeys represent the idea of not witnessing, speaking about, or listening to evil, which is a way to maintain moral purity by actively avoiding negativity.

 

[EXTRAPOLATER]

...actively avoiding negativity.

Good strategy in a zero-sum world. Sucks. Is facing negativity equivalent to the creation of negativity? I hope not. Not playing poker, here, and this game of life shit sure has some funky rules. And players.

AI Overview

A zero-sum game is a situation where one person's gain is equivalent to another person's loss, resulting in a net gain of zero. In other words, for any interaction or transaction, if one participant benefits, another participant must experience an equal loss.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Game Theory:
  The concept originates from game theory, where it represents scenarios where the total gains and losses of all participants always add up to zero.
  
  
• • No Creation of Wealth:
    In a zero-sum game, no new wealth is created or destroyed; it's simply redistributed among the participants.
    
  • Examples:
    Classic examples include games like chess, poker, and sports where one player's victory means another player's defeat. In finance, some options and futures trading can be zero-sum, as one party's profit is another party's loss.
    
  • Zero-Sum Mindset:
    The idea of a zero-sum game can also be applied to a broader worldview, where individuals or groups see the world as a competition, believing that one person's success must come at the expense of another's.
    
  • Contrast with Positive-Sum:
    In contrast to zero-sum games, positive-sum games allow for the possibility that all participants can benefit from the interaction. Many real-world situations, like trade, are actually positive-sum, as both parties can gain value from the transaction.

I don't know. Partly been trying to navigate other people's shitty boundaries.



No wonder there are no stars out here in the perimeter. This had been one freakin' cloudy year. Been checking under the seat cushions for those elusive silver linings. I'll tell you this, no eternal reward for forgive us now for wasting the dawn. Or rather, I'll tell you this, there are some good people out there. Silver, aye.

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[EXTRAPOLATER]

not Sally: origin of "every cloud has a silver lining"

AI Overview


The idiom "every cloud has a silver lining" originated in John Milton's 1634 poem Comus: A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle. The phrase is used to express that even in difficult or unpleasant situations, there is always a positive aspect or hope to be found.

Milton's poem includes the line, "Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud / Turn forth her silver lining on the night?". This line, referring to the way the edges of a cloud can appear silvery when backlit by the sun or moon, became the basis for the popular idiom. Over time, the phrase evolved to convey the idea that even in dark times, there is always something positive to be found, much like the silver lining on a cloud.

The phrase is commonly used to offer encouragement and optimism during challenging times, suggesting that one should look for the good even when faced with adversity.