Ignorance is costly

Ignorance is one of the most costly vulnerabilities, particularly in a global economy where knowledge proves to be the most valuable resource

Corina Cristea, 17.04.2026, 12:00

Ignorance affects the way we think, choose and act. It is not always apparent and is not perceived as a real risk, but as a neutral state, a seemingly harmless ‘I don’t know’. But in fact it is one of the most costly vulnerabilities, particularly in a global economy where knowledge proves to be the most valuable resource, not just to get a job, but to understand the world, to make the right decisions and to build a better future.

Ignorance is a silent risk, which goes beyond ‘not knowing’, to not realising that you do not know. This form of ignorance is the most dangerous, because it creates a false sense of security that one has made the right decisions. It causes ideas to be accepted without being analysed, with complexity rejected in favour of simple explanations, even if they are wrong.

This superficiality leads to wrong financial choices or bad healthcare or career decisions, the effects of which are sometimes irreversible. In other words, ignorance can become a major handicap, which can lead to missed opportunities. Because a person who does not understand how the economy works will make poor financial decisions. Someone who cannot assess information correctly will be easily influenced or manipulated. Whoever fails to adapt to change will get stuck in an out-dated reality.

Globally, we are witnessing a competition of knowledge. Countries are increasingly competing in terms of education levels and innovation, and in this context ignorance is a collective problem.

In Romania, there are extremely well-trained, internationally competitive people, on the one hand, while on the other hand serious problems persist, including functional illiteracy, disparities between urban and rural areas, no real connection between school and the labour market.

Andreea Paul, an associate professor and head of INACO (Initiative for Competitiveness), warns that a society that fails to invest in education limits its own potential. The real competition in Romania is not an economic one in the classic sense, she says, but one for knowledge and for training well-prepared individuals, for developing skills adapted to both the current and future economy, but also for the capacity to make difficult decisions in a world marked by conflicts and tension. In what sense is Romania “losing” knowledge right now? Andreea Paul answers:

“We lose knowledge when children don’t know their options in terms of education, and here the responsibility rests not with any one individual, but with society as a whole. Sometimes, they don’t know how to take out a loan from a bank or can’t understand the risks they expose themselves to because they lack the minimum necessary financial, economic or entrepreneurial skills. They are at the losing end when they make wrong decisions regarding their own livelihood or when they fall victim to easy manipulation or populism, because they don’t know any better. So, there are many costs that children pay later into their adult life, simply because they didn’t do what they were supposed to in school. And they lose their freedom. Because education means nothing other than gaining the freedom to do what you want with your life without becoming a victim. To acquire that kind of knowledge, you must start from basic literacy, where you can apply elementary math in daily life, when you lay down floor and wall tiles, for example, in the bathroom. Or when you commit to purchasing a washing machine or a microwave and perhaps you need a consumer loan. When you build a family budget. When you decide where you and your family want to live, or in which sector you want to work”.

Studies show that well-trained individuals identify opportunities faster, adapt to changes, make better decisions, and have access to better-paid jobs. In the absence of basic know-how, however, opportunities are missed, even if they are there for the taking.

We’re talking about skills such as critical thinking and digital literacy, emotional intelligence and financial literacy, as well as adaptability, because the job market is changing rapidly. Currently, it is not just companies that are emerging and disappearing, but entire economic sectors; industries are emerging and disappearing at a pace unprecedented in world history, notes Andreea Paul, who has summarised the critical skills for the coming years:

“The ability to adapt, communicate professionally, think critically and creatively, possess advanced digital skills, and focus on fields that are in high demand today and will continue to be so in the future — everything related to health and personal care, everything related to energy, advanced logistics, from industrial maintenance to commerce, and advanced digital skills. And here I’m talking about the ability to understand complex programming languages, to think computationally, to think algorithmically, and the ability to use artificial intelligence.”

The lack of these factors results in companies unable to find suitable employees, young people finishing their studies without knowing what they want to do next, and adults who avoid change because they don’t feel prepared. Solutions exist, but they are neither simple nor quick, experts say. Throughout this process, reforming education is essential, and changing mindsets is just as important. At the same time, learning should not be viewed as a phase limited to school years, but rather as a continuous process.  (AMP & VP & MI)