Thread: Ignorant or Stupid?

I have always though of ignorant as a lack of knowledge or "not knowing" which can be learned. I am ignorant on how they calculate the launch angle of the space shuttle. Is that wrong?

People in general are very prideful. To be called ignorant would suggest that you do not know everything, which is contrary to what most people think. We all know everything. Right? So to be called ignorant is more insulting than stupid because, like what was mentioned in previous posts, it insinuates that you do not know everything that you thought you did.

Originally Posted by Nuckle

I have always though of ignorant as a lack of knowledge or "not knowing" which can be learned. I am ignorant on how they calculate the launch angle of the space shuttle. Is that wrong?

I am almost entirely ignorant on how to communicate in any language but English. I don't know which plants in the amazon are edible. I am largely unaware of geographic details outside of my immediate area. I do not know how to cope in any and every professional capacity. I am an unlearned man, and happy to admit it.

There is FAAAAAAAAAAAR more in this world I am ignorant of, than that I am familiar with. I'm not stupid. I learn quickly, and am capable of complex thought patterns. If someone calls me stupid, I'm likely to try to rip them to shreds through conversation. If someone calls me ignorant, I enthusiastically say, "Explain!"

ig·no·rant –adjective
1. lacking in knowledge or training; unlearned: an ignorant man.
2. lacking knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact: ignorant of quantum physics.
3. uninformed; unaware.
4. due to or showing lack of knowledge or training: an ignorant statement.

stu·pid –adjective
1. lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull.
2. characterized by or proceeding from mental dullness; foolish; senseless: a stupid question.
3. tediously dull, esp. due to lack of meaning or sense; inane; pointless: a stupid party.
4. annoying or irritating; troublesome: Turn off that stupid radio.
5. in a state of stupor; stupefied: stupid from fatigue.
6. Slang. excellent; terrific.

You've got it a bit backwards, Consultant. Wisdom, aside from scholarly knowledge, is also the ability to examine that layed before you in an accurate way. Dumb, and stupid people, by definition, can't do that. The first definition of dumb is, "Lacking intelligence or good judgment; stupid; dull-witted."

Ignorant people are still capable of good judgement.

Anyone in this world to claim a lack of ignorance needs to realise there is more knowledge in this world than any individual can absorb. The more you learn, the less you realise that you actually know.

One of my favorite sayings goes like this...

PERSECUTE THE IGNORANT!!!

per·se·cute –verb (used with object)
1. to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, esp. because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently.
2. to annoy or trouble persistently.

This can be read as actively teaching the uninformed, which is why I take it to heart.

I like
Ban Ignorance Not Books

Originally Posted by hawgballs

Ignorance can be controlled. Stupidity cannot.

And some people don't like to be told that they don't know all that should be known in order to be well informed.

hehehe, couldn't resist...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gxKStPXyn8

Stupid is for-evaaa.