When Not Knowing Is Better for Your Mind and Mental Health
Briefly

Willful ignorance, the intentional avoidance of information, can have psychological benefits such as reducing stress and promoting clearer thinking. Individuals choose to ignore facts for emotional, social, or cognitive reasons, often to maintain their self-image or justify unethical behavior. For example, an executive might avoid learning about layoffs to justify their decisions. Additionally, cognitive overload leads people to skip details due to mental fatigue, making rushed decisions that may compromise the quality of their choices. Under certain circumstances, embracing willful ignorance can lead to better outcomes and enhanced objectivity.
Willful ignorance means deliberately avoiding certain facts, even when they're easy to access, which might seem irrational but is surprisingly common.
Under the right circumstances, willful ignorance can promote clarity, reduce stress, and improve objectivity by intentionally tuning out specific details.
People often keep themselves in the dark to protect their self-image or justify selfish or unethical behavior, fearing the guilt and criticism that comes with knowledge.
Another common reason for willful ignorance is mental fatigue, where people skip important details to avoid cognitive overload and quicken decision-making.
Read at Psychology Today
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