The famous saying by Islamic scholar Ibn Qayyim, “If you do not know, it is a disaster. But if you know and do nothing, the disaster is even greater,” encapsulates a timeless truth about the human condition.
Ignorance can be a formidable challenge, often leading to misjudgments and errors. However, the true catastrophe arises when individuals possess knowledge yet deliberately ignore or misuse it. This principle extends beyond personal ethics, influencing societal norms, leadership, and governance. Knowledge, rather than being a privilege alone, is a responsibility that must be upheld with integrity.
In Hamlet, William Shakespeare wrote, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” This echoes the dilemma of knowledge — what one does with it defines its ultimate impact. Simply knowing the truth is insufficient; wisdom lies in the application of that truth.
Ignorance, in itself, is not a crime. Many people are unaware of laws, ethics, or moral obligations, but they have the opportunity to seek knowledge, ask questions, and educate themselves. As Thomas Gray famously wrote in his poem Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College, “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” While this phrase is often misinterpreted as an endorsement of ignorance, in reality, it highlights the innocence of unawareness before one encounters life’s harsh realities.
The real issue arises when ignorance is wilful — when individuals choose to turn a blind eye to knowledge out of laziness, fear of responsibility, or self-interest. This transforms ignorance from a temporary gap in understanding into a conscious rejection of truth. In such cases, ignorance is not merely a lack of awareness but a self-inflicted failure to engage with reality.
If ignorance is a problem, then possessing knowledge without acting upon it is a catastrophe of far greater magnitude. To know what is right and yet ignore it is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of wisdom. This failure can manifest at multiple levels. On a personal level, many individuals recognise their mistakes yet persist in them. Rationalisation, self-deception, or sheer complacency prevent them from making the necessary changes. As T.S. Eliot once wrote, “We do not dare to disturb the universe.” The fear of consequences often stops people from taking corrective action, turning knowledge into an unbearable burden rather than a tool for growth. On a social level, societies crumble when individuals and institutions knowingly tolerate wrongdoing. Silence in the face of injustice erodes trust, allowing corruption to flourish. Edmund Burke’s famous words, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” highlight this exact dilemma. Those who recognise societal problems yet remain passive enable the very injustices they decry.
On a political level, the most dangerous form of neglected knowledge is seen in leadership and governance. Leaders who understand the challenges faced by their people but refuse to act effectively betray their duty. As George Orwell pointed out in 1984, “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” When truth is inconvenient, it is often ignored or distorted, leading to crises that could have been prevented.
To overcome the “greater disaster” of neglected knowledge, three fundamental steps must be taken. First, accepting responsibility is essential, as knowledge is not merely an asset but an obligation. Those who are aware of the truth must take ownership of their role in shaping a better world, whether at an individual, societal, or governmental level. Second, applying knowledge in practice is crucial, as true wisdom comes from action, not just awareness. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” Knowledge must be transformed into meaningful change rather than remaining theoretical.
Third, spreading knowledge is key to diminishing ignorance, as insight should not be confined to elite circles but made accessible to all. As Mark Twain famously quipped, “A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.” Knowledge is only powerful when it is utilised, shared, and acted upon.
Ibn Qayyim’s wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago: ignorance is a problem, but knowing the truth and failing to act is an even greater disaster. It is a call to action — urging individuals to rise above complacency, take responsibility, and ensure that knowledge serves its true purpose.
The challenge is not merely to learn, but to embody that learning in daily life. As Victor Hugo wrote in Les Misérables, “To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.” Yet, beyond imagination, what truly matters is courage — the courage to act upon knowledge and use it for the greater good.
