We’re writers, right? Well… Writers look at stuff. Think about stuff. Write. Edit. Revise. Write more. Edit. Revise.
Socrates says, in no uncertain terms: The unexamined life is not worth living. I can’t say I feel an overwhelming urge to disagree.
Occasionally something occurs which leads one to experience cognitive dissonance. I’m familiar with cognitive dissonance.
“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are
presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new
evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is
extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it
is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize,
ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.”
Franz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks
Cognitive dissonance is the feeling of discomfort that arises when one simultaneously experiences two or more conflicting cognitions: ideas, beliefs, values or emotional reactions.
Okay, it’s like this. Hmmmm. Here’s a somewhat painful example of cognitive dissonance from my own life-
There was this one time when I was faced with two competing notions and it took me a surprisingly long time to choose the correct notion.
My dad always said Jewish men don’t beat their wives. This concept was so deeply ingrained in me that when my first husband beat me I kept telling myself I must be mistaken because Jewish men don’t beat their wives. (My first husband was all for maintaining that particular cognitive dissonance.)
And then one day I admitted the truth to myself and my world changed overnight.
Now, you might wonder- How on earth could a woman as seemingly intelligent as Julia actually believe she wasn’t being beaten???
Good question. Cognitive dissonance. To a greater or lesser extent we go through life believing what we want to believe, dismissing any episode that makes us question those beliefs.
This is why con men and cults can so effectively take advantage of us. I’d like to toss politicians in there with ‘em but somebody might get pissed at me.
Well, hold on a minute. Let me ask this question - Why aren’t politicians allowed to change their mind, to experience cognitive dissonance? It seems to me the ability to assess a situation, to adapt, change and grow should be considered a positive quality in a politician. Life never stops changing. Even the Pope tweets. Why should politicians be expected to run in place?
Oh well. Anyway, cognitive dissonance. From great discomfort can come great change.
Metamorphosis.
Your point about the politicians is a good one. There is a difference between making a blatant, lying promise that cannot be fulfilled, and reacting to changed circumstances. I’d like to see a few more politicians consider facts instead of mindless dogma.
And the other thing which is so true? We believe what we want to believe. My husband is colour blind. I’d love to know what he sees when he looks at a red rose (for instance). It’s all a matter of perception, isn’t it? Anything can be true. From a certain point of view.
PS Give Jake a cuddle from Aunty Greta.
Well said, Greta. Mindless dogma. Silly. I guess you could say to a great extent we are our own reality. Or we are the dreamer dreaming the dream or whatever.
Jake does need a hug! He sliced his ear Monday. Poor guy!
Propaganda soaks in deep. It’s rare when a person wakes up and turns away from it.
This post on Cognitive dissonance was a lot to chew on!
Great post. I think the media is a very great problem. Instead of giving us facts, they stir the pot on every big and small subject. Cognitive dissonance-it’s amazing how painful it can be to realize you (not you, me) were wrong and become open to new ideas.
Hi Stephanie. I spend an awful lot of time being wrong. But it’s good for me. Lessons learned.
Kat -
Maybe too much???
I hate that you went through that.
You are such a good person! And, so smart it’s downright scary.
Well, Sandra, me too but I learned an awful lot. Thanks sweetie.
Hmmm, sometimes I’m smart, Steph.
Deeply held personal beliefs are the hardest to change or even consider they’re possibly wrong. So hard. That’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen to agree to disagree with many members of my family. I’m sorry you had to deal with such a miserable individual. I’m glad you’ve moved forward to become the person you are now.
PS: Give Jake a hug for me, too.
Very true, Anny. We all hate being wrong, don’t we. I will hug Jake for you!