@kellyjay said
Are we on a happiness quest or a truth quest?
Would we want to know the truth if it wasn't what we think it should be?
If I'm content the way I am, and truth would be upsetting, would I prefer being ignorant?
Thoughts
That's an interesting question.
If you are madly in love with your spouse or significant other and have a very happy life with that person...would you want to know if that person is cheating on you?
I recently watched an interview with a comedian whose mother told him the man who raised him was not actually his father. The comedian said this was not something he needed to know and he could've spent the rest of his life just fine without that information.
It all boils down to what is actually affected by potentially ruining happiness with truth; how big are the stakes should you find out the truth?
For example: someone grows up in a rich, privileged family, unaware that their wealth is acquired through the suffering and exploitation of others. While knowing the truth could ruin that person's happiness, the ability to act on that truth to try and change the situation could be more important than the blissful ignorance of the lavish lifestyle.
So the answer to that question (knowing the truth or remaining happy) depends on how much what is at stake matters to you.