Ignorance and Bliss
On Wanting Not to Know

I was disappointed in this book because I assumed it was something that it was not. I assumed that a book on wanting not to know would address our current political landscape. This book takes a broader look at the issue. Lilla looks at mysticism, for example, as a way to avoid having to learn facts.......more

With a well-researched basis exploring the antiquities, Mr. Lilla explains that human wherewithal to choose "ignorance or bliss" is within us all. His discussion about the nature of nostalgia contrasts the enlightened and the damned. Ultimately, we choose to face the truths and realities of our live......more

The book wraps up nicely and bumped me from four to five stars. Throughout my reading of the book it felt disjointed and not quite hitting the theme of ignorance, but how do you write about what you don't know or don't want to know? Given the task undertaken, I can only say well done for the reminde......more

Provocative. Read while traveling and when home will re-read with pen in hand and notebook for reflections. I find a closing line, “The harder the truth, the greater the temptation to escape it” challenging. Well, the entire book is.......more

Onderhoudend, origineel, maar ook wat flodderig. Aan het eind van een boeiend verhaal denk je: en wat ben ik nu wijzer geworden? En dan komt het antwoord maar half, althans bij mij.......more