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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

   Usually, when we think of religious orders, these things come to mind: a cloister, an abbey, a library, prayer in solitude, detachment from the world… All this in the cradle of a period defined as "dark" by historiography up to Romanticism: the Middle Ages . In this period the monks - especially the Benedictines of the various orders - were the custodians of Judeo-Christian but also classical culture, since thanks to their patient and meticulous transcriptions as scribes we have received almost all of the Greek and Latin works which we study today. Today we are grateful to them first of all for this.   However, many do not know that many products - material and immaterial - that we consume and use every day, come from monks who, using their ingenuity nourished by a profound spirituality, invented them due to practical necessities.    Personally, I find it amazing!    Let's begin…   The heavy plow   Plows were a primary agri...
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Can Ignorance be blessed?

 

 


Blessed ignorance is a rather complex concept to explain. Ignorance (lack of knowledge) is something to be removed, something negative. So why call it "blessed"? In this article we will illustrate five important aspects about the weird dilemma.

1. Not Knowing Everything is Ok

Modern society subjects us to an incessant flow of information. We live in a digital age where access to knowledge is almost unlimited: imagine not having to know everything about everything. Blessed ignorance means just this: not feeling guilty for not knowing every detail on every topic. Sometimes, this can make us feel lighter and less stressed.


2. Potential creativity

Being unaware of certain details or rules can open the door to creativity. When you are not limited by conventional knowledge, you can explore new ideas without being influenced by preconceptions or pre-existing norms. The lack of information can be seen as a fertile ground for innovation and the discovery of unique solutions.

 

3. The Innocence of Blessed Ignorance

Blessed ignorance can be associated with innocence and purity of purpose. Without the burden of detailed knowledge on complex topics, you can keep a more open and sincere approach. This perspective can be valuable in many social situations, where sincerity and lack of prejudice can facilitate human interactions. For example, one of the good things about blessed ignorance is that it prevents us from judging too quickly. When we don’t know all the details, we are more open to understanding others without prejudice. This makes us nicer and more welcoming people.

 


4. The Dark Side: Involuntary Ignorance

However, it is essential to distinguish between blessed conscious ignorance and involuntary ignorance. Lack of information can lead to wrong decisions or superficial analysis of situations. In this context, blessed ignorance can have negative consequences, especially when it comes to crucial issues such as health, politics, or the environment.

 

5. Learning Every Day

Blessed ignorance does not mean to stop learning. Indeed, it can be an invitation to learn something new every day: the key is to find a balance between this one and deep knowledge. The goal is not to deliberately ignore, but rather to recognize when a lack of information can lead to a more open and flexible approach. Continuous learning and awareness of one’s limitations can help to maintain a balanced attitude towards knowledge and ignorance: learning becomes an exciting journey instead of an obligation.

 


In conclusion, blessed ignorance can be seen as a double-faced medal, with advantages and disadvantages. While it can offer a way out of the overabundance of information and stimulate creativity, it is crucial to avoid  involuntary ignorance which could lead to wrong choices. Finding the right balance between mindfulness and open-mindedness can be the key to successfully navigating a world of knowledge.


Today's Blogger

My name is Carola Micocci, a dreamer who draws inspiration from the world of painting. With an adventurous spirit and a profound passion for art, I express my experiences and reflections in my school blog, striving to capture the beauty of the world through both my brush and the words I craft.

 

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Benedictine and Franciscan Monks: Forgotten Inventors

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