There is a saying that ignorance is bliss. It is one of the most deceptively comforting statements we repeat. There is, of course, a counterpoint: that an increase in knowledge brings an increase in sorrow. Perhaps that is where the first idea takes root—if knowing more brings pain, then knowing less must bring contentment. But I would argue the opposite. Not knowing something does not prevent the pain that often accompanies that lack of knowledge; it merely delays it.

Lesson Backed by Experience

A recent experience drove that truth home in a way that was impossible to ignore. While the details may not be particularly pleasant, transparency is sometimes necessary to bring understanding and build connection.

My older children wanted pets—specifically kittens. Our home already had a Maine Coon, so adding two more was not initially appealing to me. Still, as parents often do, I acquiesced. Our household became home to one adult cat and two kittens.

Having never cared for kittens in that capacity, I was content to leave the litter responsibilities to my children. As many can probably relate, that arrangement did not last long, and the task became a shared duty. While cleaning one of the designated litter areas, I remained unaware of a critical detail: there was a hidden tray beneath the box that held an absorbent pad, and it, too, required regular changing. I was ignorant of this simply because I did not know to look for it.

The Lesson at Hand

That ignorance did not shield me from its consequences. Physical symptoms—persistent headaches—began to signal that something was seriously wrong. When I finally discovered the source of the problem, the situation had escalated far beyond what it would have been with earlier awareness. The cleanup was significantly worse, far more unpleasant, and far more urgent. But it had to be done.

Ignorance Is an IOU with Interest

That experience taught me a lasting lesson. Ignorance is not protection from consequences. When you know better, you do better—but when you do not know, the consequences still arrive, often compounded. Proactivity matters. Asking questions matters. Research matters. Every choice we make carries outcomes, and those outcomes do not pause simply because we failed to understand them.