Oedipus

Everybody knows the term “curiosity killed the cat”, and everybody has experienced it. Being too nosy in things can really harm someone whether it’s emotionally or physically, whether they are breaking a rule or are just too dang interested in a secret. Sometimes life can be better living without the knowledge of certain things, but people always want to know every single truth and nothing but the truth. The truth at times can hurt, to different degrees, so its best to either be prepared for what possible negatives may come out with the truth or not search for the truth at all. This idea is easy to grasp but can be hard to apply as curiosity can make it hard for people to acknowledge risks being taken in certain situations. This seems to have been a common theme for centuries, dating all the way from the Oedipus Rex play written in 430 B.C. all the way to today. How? You might ask. Well, let's go over some examples of literature and have a look.

The Oedipus Rex play seems to be one of the most early examples of literature written that demonstrates this idea. The classic story of a tragic hero letting his flaws getting the best of him. In this case, one of his flaws is unfortunately not being able to take no for an answer. He is too invested into discovering the truth of his life that he does not care about the consequences. He disregards the many warnings given by people including his wife, someone who he should trust the most, insisting that he must know what happened. With this decision, he dives headfirst into his own downfall. After learning all the things he did he then goes on to have his infamous breakdown, gauging his eyes out and was then exiled from his kingdom. One of the first prime examples of how the search for truth can lead to unexpected pain. Maybe not gauging your eyes out type of pain (hopefully), but pain nonetheless. The interest people have on certain things can lead to serious tunnel vision, keeping their eyes on the prize, or in this case taking out their eyes for the prize (Yes I'm funny). This sort of obsession with knowledge can remove the punishment that may come with it completely from one's thoughts. It is always a good idea to keep in mind just what you are getting yourself into and understand if the risk is something you are willing to take.

        

    Another piece of literature that puts this theme on full display is the novel 1984 by George Orwell. One of the main premises of the totalitarianism government established in this story is to make sure that the people of the city are constantly fed lies and propaganda, skewing their citizens far from the truth. Nevertheless, Winston Smith decides to try and go against these precautions the government takes and learn the truth about the history of the world. He ends up reading the manifesto of revolution which reveals the history of what has happened in the world and gives a theory of social classes. Winston knows the possible punishments he can get for doing this but does not seem to care anymore. Just like Oedipus, Smith is too invested in acquiring all this knowledge that the risks he takes does not travel through his head as often as they usually would. He thinks he is safe hiding in a secret room, despite knowing that the government surveils every single inch of the city. Shortly after beginning to read his book, the thought police bust into his room and arrest him. This leads to Smith being gruesomely tortured on end, completely breaking him as a person. It is common knowledge among the citizens of Oceania that going against the government can result in the harshest of punishments. But Smith's peaked interests seems to blind him in a way and removes the looming thought of the government watching him 24/7.

    A more modernized example comes to us in the form of a viral video. The interview that took place between Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith has become one of the biggest memes of 2020 and completely blew up the internet. This video shows what seemed like a normal table conversation turned into a heartbreaking moment for Will. Will knew what he was getting into with his initial question of "So what happened Jada?". Unlike the others however, Will seems to be well prepared when it comes to taking in the information he asks for. Instead of being blinded to consequences like Winston and Oedipus, Will knows that Jada's answers may hurt him. This leads to Will being able to laugh the situation off and be more understanding. Obviously the truth still does sting Will a bit, he still manages to stay composed and professional. Ironically enough, this is also the only example in where the character doesn't receive a sort of warning prior. Will is a good example of being well prepared and aware of what he is getting himself into. Of course no matter how hard one prepares heartbreak is always painful, but he seemed to take it better than most people would which makes me respect him for what he did. 

    With knowledge and truth being such a sought after idea, the concept of this thing someone so very desires hurting them is something most people fail to understand. The idea of finding all truths and knowledge is seen universally as true, which is reasonable. Most times this idea holds true, but most is not always which is what is most looked over. With that being said it is always best to think twice and consider, will this be beneficial or detrimental towards my life?