Ignorance is bliss but . . . .?

Question

I am looking for a phrase which completes the sentence with following meaning.

Ignorance is bliss but its consequence is disastrous.

I came up with its consequence is disastrous.

Is there any known phrase or proverb close to this meaning?

squidlydeux · Accepted Answer

From Thomas Gray's poem, Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College (1742)

the actual full phrase...

"—where ignorance is bliss,
              'Tis folly to be wise."  (Thomas Grey Archive)

Many compare this with the phrase:   "What you don't know can't hurt you"

I prefer Ricky Gervais' take:

"Ignorance is bliss.  But only for the ignorant."

One Answer