Are We Becoming More or Less Honest with Ourselves?

In today's society, the concept of being 'honest with oneself' is often perceived as an oxymoron. Each individual's reality is shaped more by their emotions, fears, and fantasies than by objective observations. This can lead to a world filled with popular delusions, where people live in a fantasy world that reflects their personal beliefs and fears rather than objective truths. However, it is important to differentiate between living in a delusional world and being dishonest. In many cases, the pervasive use of political correct language, the existence of participation trophies, and the rise of the right-wing and extreme left suggest that individuals are more unconsciously dishonest than openly dishonest.

Honesty vs. Perception

Most people perceive the world through their subjective lens, rather than logical reasoning. This subjective viewpoint often leads to discrepancies between what people believe, think, and do. For instance, in a single family, siblings may share the same religious beliefs, yet have different political affiliations, or one brother might be an atheist while the others are theists. Even within different fields, there can be significant variances in perception. One suffers from the illusion of prejudice and confirmation bias, while the other seeks objectivity and honesty.

The Role of Blissful Ignorance

Some individuals find comfort in their subjective realities and prefer not to face the harsh truths that contradict their beliefs. This phenomenon, known as 'blissful ignorance,' can be observed in the rise of political correctness and the popularity of participation trophies. These phenomena represent a form of self-delusion where everyone feels they have achieved something, regardless of the actual outcome. It is not always detrimental; in fact, it can provide a sense of security and belonging.

The Shift in Brain Functioning

The rise of the right-wing and the extreme left has shown an exponential increase in the use of the right brain for emotional, anxious, and negative thinking, while the left brain, which is responsible for logical and positive thinking, is not used as frequently. This shift can lead to a more delusional society, where individuals are more prone to confirmation bias and subjectivity.

The Impact of Media and Social Networking

The internet and social media have exacerbated this issue by providing individuals with endless streams of information that can be easily filtered to confirm their pre-existing beliefs. This phenomenon further reinforces the concept of living in a self-created fantasy world rather than engaging with objective reality. It is crucial to recognize that while the exponential growth in confirmation bias and subjectivity is concerning, it is also an indicator of the need for more honest and open communication.

Conclusion

It is important to strive for self-awareness and honesty, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths. While it may be easier to live in a delusional state, doing so can limit personal growth and understanding. As a society, we should aim to foster a culture of honesty, critical thinking, and open communication to promote genuine self-awareness and collective growth.