Sometimes I spend my free time surfing the internet looking for humorous pictures and quotes. Being a college student "free time" is very rare, so I don't get to enjoy it much. However, I did stumble across a catchy little quote posted in a question and answer forum. The question was: "Which is worse? Ignorance, or apathy?" the answer: "I don't know, and I don't care." The little pun made me laugh but It also made me think. Which is worse? 

First for the sake of those of you who don't know what these words mean I'll give you a short definition. Ignorance should be a commonly known term. The Oxford American Dictionary describes it as "lack of knowledge or information". In layman's terms to be ignorant is to not know. Apathy means "lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern." (oxford). Apathy is to not care. Making sense of the pun should be elementary with these definitions. 

Now on to the question at hand: Which is worse? Ignorance or Apathy? Consider this hypothetical situation: You are laying on an operating room table, the doctor is holding the knife above you. This doctor is passionate for what they do, they commit their whole being to performing this job, to operate on you and to save your life. However, despite their unparalleled conviction this doctor knows nothing of surgery. In fact this doctor could not even differentiate between a lung and ribcage. 

Does this sound like an optimal situation? Of course not! I am certain that I can vouch for all members of sanity when I say that I want my doctor to know what he or she is doing when they cut into my flesh. However a doctor that is apathetic to your case would most likely still perform their job, if not for your benefit then perhaps for theirs. I certainly want my doctor to be knowledgeable.

Now let us consider a second hypothetical scenario. You are the coach of an athletic team. It's time to fill your roster with a batch of fresh recruits. One hopefull, we'll call him Bob, shows incredible skill, and he perfectly handles all of his tasks with ease. His consistency, accuracy, and performance is exactly what you are looking for. However, Bob exhibits no desire to compete. Bob showed up to the bare minimum of required try-outs to slide in to a possible slot by your grace. Bob works no more then he needs to and, in fact, does that only when prodded repeatedly. Would Bob make your team? 

Compare Bob to Jim, another player trying out. Jim has no skill in the area, and can barely keep up to the bar. However Jim has poured every ounce of effort he could manage into the try-outs. You have even seen slight improvement in his performance. Jim follows each and every order with enthusiasm and works constantly to better himself. Would Jim make your team?

Despite the lack of skill Jim is certainly the better choice. While he lacks the ability now his passion and energy will perhaps earn him that skill in the future. Not only that, but a coach will be able to mold Jim to any style they wanted while Bob would be set in his own ways. 

So I ask you again. Which is worse? Ignorance, or Apathy?