Michael Venske

IGNORANCE:

The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.

BLISS:

Extreme happiness; ecstasy.

The ecstasy of salvation; spiritual joy.

Eighteenth-century English poet Thomas Gray wrote:

“Where ignorance is bliss, / ‘Tis folly to be wise.”

According to the poet’s Wikipedia page (which was entertaining to read due to all the incorrect “facts”), Thomas Gray was the fifth of twelve children, but the only child to survive infancy.

No doubt a young Thomas Gray was leading an enjoyable existence until his parents informed him that he had eleven other siblings.

“Papa, Mama, I want to play with my brothers and sisters. Where are they?”
His father looked into the scamp’s eyes and said, “In eleven shallow little graves. Seriously, don’t dig in the backyard. You’re bothering me, go play in the street.”

And from that day forward, we’ve had “Ignorance is bliss.”

Thanks, Thomas Gray!

Today’s tip for the unemployed is about staying apprised of what’s happening in the world.

Sure, ignorance is bliss, but in the case of Thomas Gray, can’t we agree that the “folly to be wise” allowed Mr. Gray to fully appreciate what he had been blessed with — a life not merely survived, but lived and remembered?

But I digress. This isn’t Sunday morning, I’m not wearing my Minister robe… It’s Friday afternoon and I’m naked wishing I had a kiddie-pool.

Stay apprised of what’s happening with you and in the world. Read the news of the day and know that Sarah Palin considered having an abortion (and other fun tales), Oprah’s on Twitter (so should you?), and crack cocaine can be your friend too.

It’s only through awareness of self and the world that you begin to understand how you’re spending your time and if your passions reside in the same place. Allow this new found awareness to lead you to your next job…

And on that note, have a great weekend everyone!

Unemployment Tips will be back on Monday!

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