History Main / RunsOnIgnorance

* In ''Film/BedtimeStories'', the stories that the protagonist and the kids tell become reality, but when the protagonist realizes this, he loses the ability to control the stories, but the (still oblivious) kids still can. HilarityEnsues.

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* In one ''Comicbook/FantasticFour'' arc, Reed Richards was helpless against Doctor Doom's magical prowess, so he had to learn magic from Doctor Strange, however he kept trying to analyze it scientifically and logically, making his results less than impressive. He only managed to use his magical skills to defeat Doom once he admitted that he had no idea what he was doing.

* In ''Film/BedtimeStories'', the stories that the {{protagonist}} and the kids tell become reality, but when the protagonist realizes this, he loses the ability to control the stories, but the (still oblivious) kids still can. HilarityEnsues.

->'''Forgath''': Are you telling me that this sword is powered by Minmax's stupidity?\\
'''Kin''': Well, more accurately, his ignorance, but yes.\\
'''Forgath''': By Herbert's Dice! In Minmax's hand that sword is insanely powerful.\\
'''Minmax''': Huh? I don't get it.\\
'''Forgath''': That's ''perfect''! Keep thinking that way!

* In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9844023/1/Broken-Spirit Broken Spirit]]'', [[GadgeteerGenius Cyborg]] is trying to reverse engineer [[AscendedFanboy Control Freak's]] remote in order to [[spoiler:bring BeastBoy back from dimensional limbo]], and he has the following to say when Robin is surprised that he can't figure out how it works:

* In one Fantastic Four arc, Reed Richards was helpless against Doctor Doom's magical prowess, so he had to learn magic from Doctor Strange, however he kept trying to analyze it scientifically and logically, making his results less than impressive. He only managed to use his magical skills to defeat Doom once he admitted that he had no idea what he was doing.

** It is explained that ork technology works only because orks aren't bright enough to realize that it should not work. They also believe that of all the vehicles, TheRedOnesGoFaster. In fact, [[ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve they believe it strongly enough for it to be true]].

-->'''Kate:''' It doesn't work like that!
-->'''''WHAM!!'''''
-->'''Bugs:''' Thanks, toots.

* In the ''GilligansIsland'' episode where Mr Howell's double has been found, spending his money, the real Howell offers the castaways a reward to get him back to the mainland. Gilligan invents a set of bird wings, for Howell to use. When he demonstrates:

Related to AchievementsInIgnorance, except that this is a device that ''requires'' Achievements in Ignorance in order to work.

Compare ItRunsOnNonsensoleum (for when the audience is happy to accept that it works because it does) and BlackBox (for when no one knows how it works, not just the users). See also MagicPoweredPseudoscience and MagicFromTechnology for when no one knows how it works.

[[folder: Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/DoctorWho''. Generally believed to be how [[TheNthDoctor the Doctor]] runs the [=TARDIS=]; he just has faith in the old girl. [[spoiler:And she has a mind of her own, but it takes him a thousand years to discover this.]]
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Compare ItRunsOnNonsensoleum (for when the audience is happy to accept that it works because it does) and BlackBox (for when no one knows how it works, not just the users). See also MagicPoweredPseudoscience for when no one knows how it works.

One character works on a device of some kind, and no matter what she does it doesn't work. She tells her struggle to another character who tries to use it himself, without her telling him how it works. Because of this, it works perfectly for him, [[MindScrew because he doesn't know how it works]].

Related to AchievementsInIgnorance, except that this is a device that '''requires'' AchievementsInIgnorance in order to work.
Compare ItRunsOnNonsensoleum (for when the audience is happy to accept it works because it does) and BlackBox (for when no one knows how it works, not just the users).
See also MagicPoweredPseudoscience for when no one knows how it works.

* In ''Film/LooneyTunesBackInAction'', a falling FlyingCar stops just short of the ground, with [[WesternAnimation/BugsBunny Bugs]] noting that it had run out of gas. Then somebody breaks the cartoon logic...

* In ''Film/BedtimeStories'', the stories that the {{Protagonist}} and the kids tell become reality, but when the {{Protagonist}} realizes this, he loses the ability to control the stories, but the (still oblivious) kids still can. HilarityEnsues.

* ''Series/DoctorWho''. Generally believed to be how [[TheNthDoctor the Doctor]] runs the [=TARDIS=], he just has faith in the old girl [[spoiler: and she has a mind of her own, but it takes him a thousand years to discover this.]]

* ''Literature/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy''. How Arthur Dent flies, or how flying works in general. He basically ignores the fact that it should be impossible, and ignores everyone else telling him it should not be happening. LampshadeHanging this trope.

** It is explained that ork technology only works because orks aren't bright enough to realize that it should not work. They also believe that red vehicles go faster. In fact [[ClapYourHandsIfYouBelieve they believe it strongly enough for it to be true]].
** There is one instance where an ork manages to steal a spaceship and go for a joyride around the system, despite the fact ''the ship had no fuel''. It worked simply because he didn't realize that he was running on empty.

* ''Webcomic/{{Goblins}}'' features [[{{Munchkin}} Minmax's]] sword Oblivious, which [[PowerOfTheVoid took on the attributes of absolute nothingness]], and technically does not exist. Minmax's incomprehension of how the sword works actually makes it stronger, since the less of a definite concept it is, the more powerful it becomes.
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[[folder:ComicBooks]]
* Marvel Comics' ''ComicBook/SecretWars'' series featured alien fortresses for both the heroes and the villains which housed useless machinery that adapted to the purposes of the user. Both the heroes and the villains were able to repair or upgrade their armor and weapons after battle damage; in Reed Richards' case, he was able to convert alien beds into super-healing tubes to restore comrades from smoldering ashes to full health in a few hours.
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