Ignorance

Ignorance:

The word ignorance is widely used by people in different situations, maybe to describe a particular state of disturbance because of behaviour, to talk about misunderstanding or even to point out one’s view regarding someone. Yet, the concept remains controversial which may produce a flurry of points of view, bidding to give a particular definition.

Taking the parts of speech, ignorance is a noun, and then comes the adjective ignorant, mostly used to describe someone. If we look up a dictionary we will obtain a conventional meaning, summed up in lack of knowledge or information about a situation. This definition is quite reasonable and acceptable, however, if we contend deeply with this notion, it will reveal a mountain of covered up truths about the concept. 

First, the question that should be raised, is ignorance related to illiteracy? In which situation a person can be deemed as ignorant?

Lack of knowledge or being ill- informed is an aspect among many. Someone who doesn’t have enough knowledge to deal with an issue, apparently will be driven astray, therefore, the process of decision making is going to undergo an exercise in futility, which madly affects one’s life. This could be understood if we consider the field of politics, for instance, where many countries are on verge of collapsing due to the implementation of false policies built on lack of information, and this picture reflects the situation in the third world, where institutions and experts who are likely to provide critical information, are not involved in the process of decision making

Let’s dive more and more deeply. In fact, many people wonder whether ignorance is only related to illiteracy. This idea can’t be rejected due to its importance to bring this concept to light, and illiteracy is one of many causes that bring about ignorance within a society. Without scintilla of doubt, the link between both can’t be neglected , and the inability to read is a focal point that most of time leads one  to  cut the cord  with the surrounding ,therefore, not being able to realize what’s going around. However, there are some exceptions, where we can meet people who can neither write nor read, but  endowed with extreme intelligence and high capacity to read between the lines and tackle the hindrances that may stand against their path, meanwhile, others, despite their high level of education can’t prove the same capacity. This paradox could be explained this way. The level of awareness in addition to education; It could also be risen by means of experience, which has a critical role in shaping people’s mindset

Indeed, ignorance emerges in many aspects, for instance, it could be detected  when it comes to stubbornness at the stage when a person keeps refuting the validity of an idea, notwithstanding the reception of irrefutable arguments during a talk. This fact draws the premeditated intention one has to overestimate oneself without giving a damn to the other side’s view, and put oneself above all any consideration, what I believe to be the epitome of selfishness covering up the stigma of ignorance.

Furthermore, ignorance is a devastating disease which is capable of striking at the heart of society, leading to turbulent moments that are able to threaten the stability as well as causing togetherness to come apart.

To my mind, now that I believe all the problems we are experiencing are in connection with ignorance, I see the long-life cure to such hazardous epidemic comes through an effective education system whose rule stands to be far more critical so as to root out this trouble from unleashing its attacks, meanwhile to elevate the level of awareness among people.

Finally, this is a very simple attempt to cast light on this concept and in the meantime to address the cultivated elite not only to consider this issue as hindrance that is halting our advance, but also to take it as an incentive to make a move and assume responsibility in order to sensitize people by taking part in raising awareness, because it’s the effective way to bring a drastic change, with one aim is to serve the common good rather than turning a blind eye.

By Ismail KAMAL