Ignorance. A word that carries such meaning and significance in a world saturated with information overload. To be ignorant in our information age is to be a social pariah who rejects the sacred cow of education and learning. From the hallways of elementary schools to the coffee tables at retirement homes, the quest for knowledge and enlightenment is hailed as one of life’s greatest virtues. Our religious institutions, political parties, and media outlets demand of us to be greatly informed so that we can confidently defend our belief systems and win arguments against our opponents for the purpose of avoiding the traps of being brainwashed or persuaded into other worldviews. Somehow being informed and deeply knowledgeable prevents us from possessing the ignorance that would lead us astray. 

But what if ignorance is something not to be feared but rather embraced? What if ignorance is not a curse or threat to our social institutions but a gift to an overstimulated and disconnected society riddled with deep divisions and bitterness? Learning and knowledge is critical to inspiring and helping others. Yet, knowledge alone is insufficient for advancing justice in an unjust world, bridging the deep divisions that plague our society, and embracing the beauty and joy of the earth. Too often, the over-romanticizing of obtaining knowledge and the demonization of ignorance or being “ill-informed” exacerbates the narcissism, abuse, oppression, anxiety, and lack of compassion in our land. 

Ignorance can certainly be deeply problematic and harmful. Much of the ignorance we see in our world lacks empathy, chooses complacency in the face of injustice, and is unwilling to question things. Yet, such ignorance lacks humility and openness to change. But the ignorance that asks more questions of others and rants of little facts, that feels content with knowing less for the sake of listening more, that is committed to curiosity, and open to being wrong is the ignorance that our world needs.

What would it look like if we reframe ignorance, not as something to grow from but rather something to mature towards? If knowing less was viewed as a sign of wisdom, something to aspire to, rather than being dismissed or scoffed at? What would our relationships, religious communities, political discourse, and workplaces look like if ignorance was seen as virtuous? How would that impact who we uphold as upstanding citizens and heroes? Maybe, if we reframe how we understand ignorance, we can imagine a world of humility, meekness, generosity, justice, mercy, and faithfulness.