Self Deception, the ultimate in lying.

Fresh from the "Nobody asked you, Claude" department.

I don't think it's a matter of psychological strength or intelligence. It has nothing to do with admitting the truth. They can't see the truth, because it conflicts with their world view. It simply doesn't get through the filter of our view.

This may be because the truth is so damaging that it can't be accepted, but this is on an unconscious level. The person isn't aware of the reason, just the view.

In the "Claude is a pretentious boring egotistical prick" file....


I was saying something to a friend about a scientific theory. a well established one with plenty of hard evidence. He said, "Can you prove it to me?" I said, "No. I can explain it to you...clearly, completely, and answer your questions...but I can't prove it to you"

He said, "Why not?"

I said, "Because your whole existence is wrapped around a different explanation. You literally wouldn't hear the words I am saying. I would tell you a sentence, and your brain would cause you to hear something I didn't even say, so you could argue with it. I know that sounds impossible. But it's the truth".

Of course, he denied it, as any sane person would.....

So I gave it a few sentences. He then said, "So you're saying that...."

And I said, "No. Not at all. I didn't say it at all. In fact, I said the opposite. " And I said it again. I did this three times, and he came back with something I didn't say. Not even the same words. The meanings were changed dramatically, exaggerated to make it easier to dispute.

A few other friends were standing with us, and said, "Yeah, Claude isn't saying that at all"

Was my friend a fool? Insane? No. He was the most intelligent one there. But it was a defense mechanism. He couldn't see it.

When someone has invested in a world view, everything opposed to it is treated as a threat. We do all of this unconsciously.

Listen to anyone with a different religious or political view than you have. You'll hear arguments that baffle you, because they ignore obvious facts, to conform to their established view. What we cannot see, is when we do it ourselves.

You see it in the Forum. People keep arguing something the other person didn't say at all.

Watch one of the primary debates. The side doesn't matter. One person claims another said something they didn't say. It's like everyone up there is speaking their own language.
One guy says "A", and the next guy argues that he said "B". It's painful to watch. But I see it everywhere.

In fact, that may be the prime reason for arguments, I don't know.

I try not to do it myself, and occasionally realize it after the fact, or if someone points it out. But I have no idea how often I miss it. Having no empathy helps. Separating yourself from the outcome helps. But I can't fix what I can't see.


Just put me on Ignore. My cat does.