The Esoteric Lexicon·Concept

Complex Ignorance

Complex Ignorance is a distinct and more profound form of ignorance, characterized by an awareness of one's own limitations and gaps in knowledge. This state of mind is particularly dangerous as it can lead to a sophistical rather than theosophical understanding. Theosophical understanding, contrastingly, involves a deeper, philosophical grasp of truths beyond mere surface-level knowledge. Complex ignorance encompasses a recognition that one does not know certain things, which sets it apart from simpler forms of ignorance where individuals may be completely unaware of their knowledge gaps.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Ignorance→Concept

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

Modern CivilizationLineage

Modern Civilization exhibits Complex Ignorance by valuing material achievements while neglecting the cosmic scale

Primitive SavagesLineage

Primitive Savages are an example of Complex Ignorance due to their worship of unknown natural phenomena

Simple IgnoranceConcept

Simple ignorance is distinguished from complex ignorance, both being states of knowledge or lack thereof.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesChiram →

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Chiram

Ignorance is seen as an enemy of the CHiram myth, symbolically representing the spiritual and moral darkness it opposes

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesChaos →

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Chaos

The mob governs through ignorance, which leads to chaos

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesTheory Of Rebirth

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Theory Of Rebirth

The Theory of Rebirth contrasts with the sin of Ignorance, emphasizing applied knowledge as the path to salvation.

Complex IgnorancethroughSimple IgnoranceilluminatesPlatonists

I. Complex Ignorance & Simple Ignorance

Simple ignorance is distinguished from complex ignorance, both being states of knowledge or lack thereof.

II. Simple Ignorance & Platonists

The Platonists recognised simple ignorance as a fundamental condition of knowledge.

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesSelf-satisfied State

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Self-satisfied State

Ignorance is the state of unawareness, the opposite of philosophical awakening

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesDespair Of Worldliness

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Despair Of Worldliness

Ignorance leads to the despair of worldliness, a focus on superficial aspects of life

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesCruel Clutches Of Greed

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Cruel Clutches Of Greed

Greed, when unchecked, leads to a state of ignorance and materialism

Complex IgnorancethroughIgnoranceilluminatesCold Tomb Of Dead Idealism

I. Complex Ignorance & Ignorance

Ignorance includes Complex Ignorance as a state of knowledge of one’s own ignorance

II. Ignorance & Cold Tomb Of Dead Idealism

Dead idealism, when unfulfilled, leads to a state of ignorance

Complex IgnorancethroughModern Civilizationilluminates20th Century

I. Complex Ignorance & Modern Civilization

Modern Civilization exhibits Complex Ignorance by valuing material achievements while neglecting the cosmic scale

II. Modern Civilization & 20th Century

20th Century is a subset of Modern Civilization