Ignorance In Oedipus The King

In Oedipus the King, Oedipus seeks out knowledge and truth, even though he is warned not to mess with the oracles. However, he is determined to uncover the mystery behind the murder of Laius and to learn the origins of his own identity. But was he better off not knowing? Is ignorance bliss? People seek to understand things that go beyond their capability to understand. Obvious examples would be sudden deaths or unforeseen disasters. No one wants to feel like a victim of fate, but know one can answer questions like: is there a God? When someone believes they have an answer to a question that isn’t built on fact but rather on faith, then they are the epitome of arrogance. We see this today in religion, politics, science, and even relationships.

Instead, if they are aware of their reality, they often realize their shortcomings and feel more at peace.

There are two reasons why someone becomes a “know-it-all.” First, they have an underlying insecurity that makes them think they have to know everything to fend off any ideas that might make them look inferior. And second, they have a genuine sense of superiority from either too much success, praise, or entitlement (Barth). And for those really tough cases, like with Oedipus Rex, they are plagued with both. To explain, the young Oedipus developed a deep insecurity when he was in Corinth after Phoebus told him he would mate with his own mother and murder his own father (791-795). This made him flee his hometown forever to avoid the reported fate. After he answered the riddle of the Sphinx and stood like a tower of strength in Thebes, and was called the “Great King of Thebes”

It is about a king who thought if he always knew what was the most important thing to do, he would never fail at anything. So, he offered an award to anyone who could teach him the right way to achieve this. After several suggestions by experienced me, he expectantly found his answer from a wise hermit who said, “Remember then: there is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power.” The everyday man pursues success and happiness, however individually defined. To get there, he must develop a sense of self-confidence. Many do that by burying themselves into books, some flood their time with life experiences, while other, less ambition seekers, create a sense of superiority by acting like they know it all. But why do we want to know what we do not know? Fate vs. free will, knowledge and truth, persistence and power are all themes in Oedipus the King and common topics for the all-knowing to ponder. Though, the future will reveal itself depending on the choices we make and how you deal with uncertainties. In everyday life, it is important for people to stay open-minded because those are people who tend to be able to see things from all sides, which helps eliminate preconceived notions. To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge. - Nicolaus