What is willfully ignorant?

Willful ignorance refers to the deliberate decision to remain unknowledgeable about something, despite the availability of information or evidence. It is the act of intentionally avoiding facts or intellectual pursuit, and can be motivated by a desire to maintain a certain belief or perspective, or simply to avoid discomfort or cognitive dissonance. Willfully ignorant individuals may be resistant to new information, reject evidence that contradicts their beliefs, or dismiss expert opinions in favor of their own intuition or personal experience. This mindset can be problematic in personal, professional, and societal contexts, as it can limit one's ability to learn, grow, and make informed decisions.