Meaning
What does Ignorance is Bliss mean?
Ignorance is bliss is a popular commonplace, used to highlight the fact that the lack of knowledge often results in a carefree state of mind, which produces desirable emotions.
A man avoiding knowledge of events in far away lands which doesn’t concern him, is Happy as a Clam.
Origin
What's the origin of Ignorance is Bliss?
The notion of “Ignorance is bliss” has been following people for millennia, with Roman writer Publilius Syrus expressing the sentiment in the 1st century BC, with the words “In knowing nothing, life is most delightful.”
Despite this, the titular phrase itself was coined by Thomas Gray in 1768, featured in his “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College”.
Spread & Usage
How did Ignorance is Bliss spread?
Over the centuries, “Ignorance is bliss” has turned into a globally accepted commonplace, appearing in a wide array of contexts, both in literature and pop culture, appearing in novels, publications, films as well as television series.
It was featured as the title for countless musical compositions, both songs and albums, including the works of Kendrick Lamar, Skepta, Face to Face and Ramones, just to name a few.
It was also famously included in The Matrix (1999), uttered by Cypher (portrayed by Joe Pantoliano).