Why We Go Wrong Without Knowing: The Stoic View on Ignorance

“Besides: do you think that I fall into evil voluntarily, and miss the good? Heaven forbid. What, then, is the cause of my going wrong? Ignorance.”

Epictetus, The Discourses, Book 1.26

When we go astray, it’s not usually because we choose evil knowingly. Epictetus tells us that the real culprit is ignorance, mistaken beliefs that shape our choices. This forms the heart of the Stoic view on ignorance, and it’s a lesson that still applies to our lives today.

Why Ignorance Leads Us Off Track

The Stoics taught that action flows from judgment. If your judgment is wrong, your action will be misguided. When someone pursues wealth at the cost of integrity or lashes out in anger, they don’t set out to embrace evil; they misunderstand what is truly good.

Ignorance distorts our priorities. It makes us value externals like money, fame, or pleasure above virtue. To the Stoics, this isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a universal human challenge. We can go back to Socrates for this concept, and the Stoics built on that. When they talk about Oikeiosis, self-appropriation, they highlight the fact that every human and animal does what seems best for them and the preservation of the species. The problem arises when we don’t know what is truly good, and in Stoic philosophy, that answer is simple: virtue.

Practical Reflections to Overcome Ignorance

• Pause and examine your beliefs – When reacting strongly, ask: “What assumption am I making here?” Many mistakes come from unnoticed judgments.
  
• Focus on virtue as the only true good – Health, wealth, and reputation are indifferent. Virtue is what makes life meaningful.
  
• Practice patience with others – If ignorance is the cause of error, compassion becomes more effective than condemnation. Like us, others often act wrongly without knowing.
  

By recognizing the role of ignorance, we not only correct our own course but also approach others with greater understanding. The Stoic view on ignorance challenges us to seek wisdom daily, replacing false judgments with the truth.

FAQ Section

What is the Stoic view on ignorance?
Stoics believed ignorance is the root cause of wrongdoing. People act wrongly not from intent but because they mistake false goods for true ones.

How can I avoid ignorance according to Stoicism?
Through self-examination, reflection, and the study of philosophy, you can refine your judgments and align your actions with virtue.

Does Stoicism excuse ignorance?
No. Stoicism explains wrongdoing as ignorance but emphasizes our responsibility to seek wisdom and live according to reason.

Want to explore more Stoic strategies?

Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Epictetus Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.

Author Bio

Benny Voncken is the co-founder of Via Stoica, where he helps people apply Stoic philosophy to modern life. He is a Stoic coach, writer, and podcast host of The Via Stoica Podcast. With almost a decade of teaching experience and daily Stoic practice, Benny creates resources, workshops, and reflections that make ancient wisdom practical today.