John Smith, a 35-year-old accountant from Kansas City, Missouri, is enjoying a peaceful and happy life because he knows nothing about the Middle East conflict. Smith, who has never traveled outside the US, said that he has no interest in learning about the history, politics, or culture of the region, and that he prefers to focus on his own hobbies and interests.
“I don’t watch the news, I don’t read the papers, I don’t follow social media. I just live in my own bubble and I’m fine with that,” Smith said. “I don’t care about what’s going on in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. It’s none of my business and it doesn’t affect me.”
Smith said that he enjoys spending his free time playing games, fishing, and hanging out with his friends. He said that he has no idea who the leaders of Israel, Palestine, Iran, Syria, or any other country in the Middle East are, and that he doesn’t even know where they are on the map.
“I couldn’t tell you the difference between a Sunni and a Shia, or a Jew and a Muslim. I don’t know what Hamas or Hezbollah are, or what ISIS or Al-Qaeda are. I don’t know what a nuclear deal is, or what a peace process is. I don’t know what the Gaza Strip is, or what the West Bank is. I don’t know anything and I don’t want to know anything,” Smith said.
Give Ignorance a Chance
Smith said that he believes that ignorance is bliss and that knowledge is overrated. He said that he has never experienced any stress, anxiety, or anger related to the Middle East conflict, and that he feels sorry for those who do.
“I think people who follow the news and care about the world are wasting their time and energy. They are always angry and depressed and always argue with each other. They are not happy and they are not peaceful. They should relax and enjoy life like me,” Smith said.
Smith said that he plans to continue living in his bubble of blissful ignorance for as long as possible and that he hopes that nothing will ever disturb his peace. He said that he is not worried about the consequences of his lack of awareness or empathy for others.
“I’m sure everything will be fine. The world will sort itself out somehow. And if it doesn’t, well, it’s not within my circle of influence,” Smith said.