“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” —Thomas Jefferson
There is a connection between knowledge and freedom.
The founders of this country were well aware of this. They believed in the importance of an informed electorate, knowing that the freedom we enjoy both as a society and as individuals is dependent on not being content to live in ignorance.
The problem with ignorance is it can cause us to make decisions that aren’t in our best interest. We may go down one route because we’re not aware of the implications of our choice, or of the alternatives that may be out there. Or we may end up being manipulated by others and not even realize it — like the guy who’s drawn along by a slick sales pitch or a crafty salesman, and has no idea to what degree the presentation is affecting his decision.
The same thing can take place inside of us as well. We may be driven by our impulses and emotions, and be totally unaware of what’s taking place under the surface. We remain ignorant of these forces, but in so doing, become their slave.
If we’re aware of what’s taking place, though, and of the options we have, we’re now in a place to freely choose our course of action. We can decide to go with the flow, or we may decide to go in a different direction. We don’t have to dutifully obey external pressures or internal impulses, but can make an informed decision on the path we want to take. Because while ignorance may be bliss, it certainly doesn’t lead to freedom.