Willful Ignorance

I recently heard a phrase called “willful ignorance” and it made me stop and think. This is refusing to change your mind or even consider conflicting information based on a desire to maintain one’s existing beliefs.

Willful ignorance occurs when people believe false things with great conviction. On some level they might realize that their thoughts or beliefs are likely false, yet they continue to behave in accordance with the distortion. Willful ignorance can be useful to a person, helping them avoid what is uncomfortable or convicting past behavior.

Here are a few examples of it:

1. Only engaging with people who think exactly like you

2. Refusing to change an unhealthy habit because you don’t believe the advice of a professional or expert

3. Making up or refuting information to contradict views that contrast your opinion

4. Believing someone is better or worse than they are (partner, student, friend) when evidence points in the opposite direction

5. Seeing your situation as an exception to the facts or rule

What are you wilfully ignorant about?

• Nutrition- eating what you want knowing it is bad for you

• Substance Abuse- drinking too much knowing it is unhealthy

• Communication- losing your cool or avoiding communication when needing to resolve problems?

• Work habits- fluctuating between too much and not enough focus or productivity

• Honesty- telling “white lies” to get your way

• Being firm about certain negative behaviors but not others

There are many ways we get stuck in unhealthy patterns. Remember you only have control over you so set a goal to get better at recognizing your negative habits!