It's times like this I wish I'd never learnt Python. I'd be a much happier Java programmer.

ignorance.equals(bliss)

StateOfMind bliss = new Ignorance();

StateOfMind bliss = StateOfMindFactory.createIgnorance();

<bean id="mind" class="com.example.brain.Mind">
   <property name="state">
     <ref local="bliss"/>
  </property>
</bean>

<bean id="bliss" class="com.example.brian.states.Ignorance"
  autowire="true"/>

try {
  MindState bliss = new Ignorance()
} catch (RealityException e) {
  LOGGER.error("The users are wising up");
}

try {
  MindState bliss = new Ignorance();
} catch (Throwable t)
  // TODO: exception handling
}