But willfully ignoring what is true is not the same as dreaming. Itâs delusion; and delusion leads to terrible decisions and, even worse, the destruction of trust.
Related Quotes
Importantly, too, information prevents adoration, one of the most dangerous forces against the independent human mind. The choice to see no flaws, the choice to justify every inconsistency or contradiction by saying it isnât happening or by sewing in an interpretation that allows it to fit the dogma of the adored. We see adoration in the same-stepping rallies of worshippers of any sort: of politicians, fashion, deity, battle, wealth. When reality does not fit the narrative and the narrative is substituting for our own stories of meaning and purpose and significance, we worship. We ignore facts. We term âfakeâ what is real. We have stopped thinking for ourselves. We have stopped thinking, full stop.
The pain of hating our own creation is a consequence of our investing too much of our sense of being into the company, the product, the creation. When we hang our sense of self on the whisper of an idea; when we unwittingly insist that our love, safety, and belonging depend on what we do and, most important, how others feel about our feelings, our actions, and our work; then we leave little space for anything other than bitter, existential suffering.
There are points in the process of becoming a chronic victim when people realize theyâre lying to themselves. They realize the story theyâre telling themselves isnât quite true. They know theyâre responsible. But facing reality and taking responsibility is hard. Itâs uncomfortable. Itâs so much easier to hide and to blame other people, circumstances, or luck.
Mistakes present a choice: whether to update your ideas, or ignore the failures theyâve produced and keep believing what youâve always believed. More than a few of us choose the latter.
The biggest mistake people make typically isnât their initial mistake. Itâs the mistake of trying to cover up and avoid responsibility for it. The first mistake is expensive; the second costs a fortune.
Mistakes turn into anchors if you donât accept them. Part of accepting them is learning from them and then letting them go. We canât change the past, but we can work to undo the effects itâs had on the future.
The most powerful story in the world is the one you tell yourself. That inner voice has the power to move you forward or anchor you to the past. Choose wisely.