To Know or To Not Know

It’s amazing how two sayings could border on the same topic, and still be interpreted as polar opposites. The saying ‘knowledge is power’, and the saying ‘knowledge of everything is bad’, are two sayings that even though they contradict each other, can still be applied to similar situations, depending on whether you choose to view it negatively or positively.

There are instances where knowing saved an individual and there are also instances where simply knowing is enough to cause you harm. It’s not everytime we can predict the impact of the knowledge we consume, hence its left to an individual, to decide what’s best for him or her.

If I time-travelled, and found out that people remembered me for something I’m not proud of, I’d feel so many things almost immediately. I’d be filled with confusion, worry, fear, despair and then, acceptance. I’d be confused, trying to figure out why my legacy turned out like that. Then, I’d start to worry if there’s a way to change that aspect of me. With that worry comes fear. Fear of that future actually coming to pass, fear of giving up after every legacy I’ve worked towards every day of my life.

I’ve always wondered what legacy I’d leave behind. Would people remember me for my kindness, my contribution to society, or for the mean things I did to them? You know, that’s one part of our reality that we aren’t a part of. And so, I’ve always wished for the most part, that I am remembered for good. Simply finding out that I was remembered for something other than that, would leave me saddened.

I’ve watched a lot of time-travel movies, to know that getting a glimpse into the past never really ends well. It’s either you postpone the inevitable, or you bring it forward. Either way, there’s usually a change. This realization would actually leave me in despair. I’d constantly question myself whether I should proceed with change or not, regardless of what happens in the end. I’d be at a crossroad, not knowing the consequences of my actions.

However, just like every other troubling situation, I’d accept it. I’d accept the fact that what happens at the end, isn’t for me to decide. I’d try my best to live just like I’ve been living. Although it may be hard, living above the fear of the future i witnessed, but I’d try. I would work towards making that good impact I’ve always wanted to, without letting the knowledge i acquired, influence my actions.

There is peace in knowing, that I admit, but there are situations where it’s best for things to stay just the way they are. There are situations where ignorance ends up being the best medicine. A typical example for me, is glimpsing your future. Knowledge of such situation isn’t power to me. It’s more of a weapon fashioned against yourself. So, I’d rather stay in ignorance, and work towards my dream life.

Thanks for reading.

Image above was taken by me.