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I would rather be ignorant than knowledgeable of evils.
Aeschylus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The speaker prefers not to know about the existence of evil rather than being burdened by that knowledge.

This quote by Aeschylus reflects a philosophical stance on the nature of knowledge and ignorance. It suggests that sometimes, ignorance can be a form of emotional protection, allowing a person to live without the added weight of understanding the darker aspects of life. The quote provokes thought about the benefits and burdens of knowledge, especially regarding difficult or painful truths.

Themes

IgnoranceKnowledgeEvilPhilosophyTruth

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about the impact of harsh realities on mental health, this quote could illustrate the comfort found in ignorance.

More from Aeschylus

A god implants in mortal guilt whenever he wants utterly to confound a house.
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Neither a life of anarchy nor a life under a despot should you praise. To all that lies in the middle has a god given excellence.
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In every tyrant's heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.
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It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.
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In war, truth is the first casualty.
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There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
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