In the context of Ruth Ozeki's book "My Year of Meats," ignorance is portrayed as a conscious decision rather than a mere lack of information. The idea suggests that individuals repeatedly choose to remain unaware, especially when faced with a vast amount of information that can be intimidating or overwhelming. This act of will signifies a reluctance to engage with knowledge, which might lead one to feel powerless or incapacitated.

The author emphasizes the struggle people face in navigating an overload of information. As knowledge becomes associated with feelings of impotence, the choice to be ignorant can be seen as a protective mechanism. Ultimately, this reflection on ignorance underscores a complex relationship between knowledge, awareness, and the emotional responses that stem from confronting difficult truths.