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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ignorance is presented as a source of happiness, implying knowledge brings burden.
In plain terms
Living without knowing painful truths is the happiest way to live.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes ignorance protects peace of mind.

Where it applies

  • personal distress
  • philosophical debates
  • life choices

Putting it to work

  • accept limits
  • prioritize peace

Questions to consider

  • Is ignorance truly bliss?
  • When does knowledge hurt?

Another view

Avoiding truth can prevent necessary growth or change.

More from Desiderius Erasmus

  1. They say that the AntiChrist will be born of a monk and a nun. If so, there must already be thousands of AntiChrists.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. Whenever you encounter truth, look upon it as Christianity.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. There is nothing I congratulate myself on more heartily than on never having joined a sect.

    Permalink to quote #16

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