Philosophy of the Week I

“It may do us best to not know and be happy, but knowing will, inevitably, make us stronger for the future.”

Rika’s Thoughts:

This is very true. For example, if one country knew that another country was planning war against the other, it would make them stronger for the war ahead. Or, perhaps, in the best case, the war could be prevented. I think that the more people that are in the know, the more wars could be prevented. But, on the other hand, some information is best kept away from the general public to prevent mass pandemonium. If an asteroid is to hit Earth in 2012 and the scientific community is sure of this, the question is “Is it ethical to keep this information away from the general populous to prevent pandemonium?” Because then knowing that fact would make us stronger for what future? The last moments on Earth? But then if we weren’t told, we would be happier. Or would we? It’s so hard to choose an ethical decision in any topic. Illegal immigration is another tough discussion, and every side seems unethical. Same goes towards choosing between saving the world and keeping our economy up and running.

Like I said, this is a good quote, but sometimes not knowing not only makes you happier, but makes you stronger. Stronger as in a clearer mind.