Is knowledge a curse?

I think there are some situations where knowledge of something negatively affects the happiness or comfort of your life.

Indeed.

Being HIV+ is one where people will say "I'd rather not know". I've personally heard it from several people.

I'd rather know if I were HIV-positive and rich as there is a functional cure based on stem cell research, though it's still in its infancy.

It would, however, suck to know the day of your death, or even the year. Actually, I wouldn't even want to know what decade.

Originally posted by Robtard
Indeed.

Being HIV+ is one where people will say "I'd rather not know". I've personally heard it from several people.

I'd rather know about HIV right away, catch it in its infancy, Magic-style. I imagine that sooner or later I'd wind up suspecting it anyway, and then I'd be guilt-ridden over anyone I unwittingly infected.

Originally posted by Robtard
Being HIV+ is one where people will say "I'd rather not know". I've personally heard it from several people.

Originally posted by Astner
Because we all know it's better to ignore it so it eventually can blossom into full blown AIDS, instead of taking modifying drugs to slow down the process and live for a few more decades. I mean who in their right mind wants to live well?

Apparently you didn't comprehend. I'd personally want to know though.

Originally posted by Robtard
Apparently you didn't comprehend. I'd personally want to know though.

Are you guys serious? He's being sarcastic. He's addressing the main thread topic, pointing out why knowledge is better.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but I do not think knowledge is a curse. I'm probably going to sound like a crazy here, but I honestly think we may be the first intelligent life in the universe. We are a very very young species. We only underwent the Neolithic Revolution 10,000 years ago, and in the timespan from then to now we now have atomic weapons, particle accelerators, and aeronautic technology, I'd say that we are not at our peak yet. It is only because we live now. We have this conception that because we live "now", "Now" is the peak of humanity. The most we'll ever get to. But it's not. Civilization is just working out the kinks. We do realize the potential horrors of our species, but that is why we will take necessary steps to prevent it. We're not even out of our Early Triassic yet. And considering the progress we've made, I'd honestly say our species is destined for wondrous things, things that would be as insane to you as our technology is to someone from the Middle Ages. the only sadness is our inability to see it, for we are trapped in the "Now". Main point, no intelligence is not a curse, but rather a gift.

Originally posted by Rapidash
The less you know, the happier you are. Is it possible to consider knowledge a curse?