This quote by Plato suggests that complete ignorance, in other words, not knowing anything at all, is not the worst possible state to be in, or the most significant evil one can encounter. It implies that there are worse evils than being entirely ignorant.
Interpreting this quote at a deeper level, we can infer that Plato might be referring to the concept of ‘wilful ignorance’ or ‘ignorance by choice’ as a greater evil. This is when people choose to ignore or disregard facts, knowledge or truths that are uncomfortable or inconvenient to them. This kind of ignorance is more dangerous because it is deliberate and often leads to harmful decisions or actions.
Applying this to today’s world, we see ‘wilful ignorance’ frequently, especially in the context of social, environmental or political issues. For example, climate change deniers choose to ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence of human-induced global warming. This type of ignorance can lead to delayed action and exacerbate the problem.
In terms of personal development, the quote underscores the value of self-awareness and continuous learning. It suggests that not knowing something is not the issue; the real problem is not making an effort to learn or understand. This can lead to stagnation in personal growth. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn and grow.