Ignorance of a thing can cause us to make bad decisions based upon limited information. That is easily resolved with an open mind, access to a library, up to date news, facts, and figures, and if in a leadership position, the hiring of experts, accountants, and knowledgeable advisers. A leader can be completely ignorant of a thing and still be an excellent leader.
For example, a sitting president could know nothing about certain medical procedures being tested and experimented with. But as an able leader, with the right advisers, he or she could make a decision which fits the situation which benefits all. No one, no matter how educated, is without ignorance of something. Therefore we are all guilty of the sin of ignorance.
But there is a difference between incidental ignorance and deliberate ignorance; the belief that you are right in spite of the facts, in spite of evidence, in spite of advice contrary to your views. Willful ignorance is either cowardice, stubbornness, or malicious arrogance.
It all boils down to fear, inability to change, or pig-headedness. That compounds and amplifies our ignorance to the point where it can become fatal.
"Hey governor, these levees don't seem to be designed very well, perhaps we should reinforce, rebuild, or relocate..."
-"No, I believe money is better spent on other things, like stadiums and parks and bridges to nowhere and Big Digs and grasshopper research in Alaska and so forth. That will really boost my approval rating. Reinforcing levees isn't sexy. What are the odds we would need stronger levees anyway?"
Ignorance compounded by arrogance kills.
Thoughts from the philosopher
Originally Posted by Yoyoma1910
To me ignorance and its children are the most annoying vices. Mainly because I don't know where it comes from, and it has a tendency to slip in unnoticed in the middle of the list.
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