Deliberate ignorance – The daily blog of behavioral and cognitive economics

Sure, Knowledge Is Power, but Ignorance Is Underrated

We crave knowledge. Only ostriches stick their heads in the sand. Right? Well, then, how can we explain the following? “Don’t tell me how the movie ends.” “Don’t tell me if I have the gene for that disease.” “Don’t tell me my startup is likely to fail.” “Don’t tell me if my spouse cheated on me.” “Don’t tell me how they slaughter veal calves.” In many cases, let’s face it, we prefer not to know things, contrary to simple economic theories that say more information is always better. We tell one another that ignorance is bliss. We reject too much information. ….[READ]