ignorance is not bliss.

I would compare Wordsworth's lines in Tintern Abbey to Blake's London in Songs of Experience. Wordsworth talks about looking at nature differently now than he did in his "thoughtless youth" and it relates to the "mind forg'd manacles" most people place on themselves or their intelligence. Most of this chaining of the mind is because of thoughtlessness or youth, metaphorically or physically. Not seeing the world for what it is, which at this point is quite depressing and abundantly clear that it is so, can be contributed to a certain blind eye. Also, Blake talks about plagues being put on some of the most important or coveted parts of life because it is all tainted and nothing should be so great when there is so much that is wrong with the world. In relation, Wordsworth says that humanity is still, sad music. This says to me that society as a whole is woeful. Music is beautiful and everyone loves some type of music or it speaks to them in some way. If humanity itself is sad music, then nothing should be joyful. If everything is tainted and it can clearly be heard, people should realize it and listen. Wordsworth may not spell it out like Blake but in these few lines he essentially says most of the same things Blake does in London. Instead of ignoring the sad music of humanity by thoughtlessness or forging your own mind shackles, look around and see what's happening.. ignorance is not bliss.