They say that people
with cognitive dissonance
can’t see the truth
because they have invested
too much in the lie.
We all know
who these people are.
Despite the facts
presented to them,
they continue to live
in some alternate reality,
proudly and loudly
declaring that they know
what is best, and will do
whatever it takes to survive.
We all know
who these people are.
Humans.
The lie is called “humanity”
and it is a beautiful story —
a tale of love, freedom, bravery,
dedication and patriotism.
Would you like to hear more?
It is written just for you.
Trail Wood
10/12/21
The concept of cognitive dissonance—the psychological discomfort one experiences when confronted with contradictory beliefs—seems ubiquitous across human history. This dissonance manifests in many forms: politics, religion, social constructs, and even our self-perceptions. The dissonance often serves as a coping mechanism, a veil that shades us from the uncomfortable glare of reality. This isn’t just a mere glitch in human cognition but a deeply ingrained survival strategy that, paradoxically, may hold both the seeds of our advancement and our potential undoing.
The term “humanity” itself is enveloped in layers of stories, myths, and shared hallucinations that give life a semblance of meaning and order. These narratives imbue us with a sense of purpose and unity, fueling our actions with a potent blend of conviction and denial. Yet, one must ponder: can a lie, if beautiful enough, become a sort of truth? And if so, is this metamorphosed untruth any less meaningful than the reality it was born from?
Consider folklore, tales spun from the loom of imagination, shimmering with impossibilities—fire-breathing dragons, immortal deities, enchanted forests. Yet, these fantasies, birthed from the whimsiwords of yesteryears, carry profound truths about the human experience. They talk of bravery, love, sacrifice—all virtues that we hold dear. Herein lies the intriguing paradox: the lie is a mirror that reflects not the world, but us. It distills our collective desires, fears, and ideals, framing them in a narrative that transcends individual lifespans to echo through the corridors of time.
The story of humanity is, in essence, a monumental paradox—a canvas painted with the brushstrokes of contradiction, each hue vying for dominion over the other. It is our challenge and our privilege to engage with this colorful disarray, to discern the patterns amidst the chaos, and to contribute our own unique imprint to the ever-evolving mural.
In times of existential scrutiny, it’s not about unearthing an absolute “truth” but about co-creating a shared reality that resonates with our deepest yearnings and loftiest ideals. Even if the story of humanity is a lie, it’s a lie that we’ve all invested in, making it a shared delusion—and perhaps that’s what makes it so devastatingly beautiful.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the concept of cognitive dissonance and its role in shaping our collective narrative as humanity. The narrative, although potentially built on contradictions or even lies, serves as a powerful tool for unifying us, providing meaning, and giving direction to our collective will.
Glossarium
- Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Hallucinations: An experience involving the perception of something not present.
- Metamorphosed: Transformed, especially in a striking or magical manner.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
— Oscar Wilde
Lies spun in gold, a tapestry bright,
With tales of heroes, wrongs made right.
In every thread a whisper flows,
A semblance of a truth we chose.
Is it a lie? We ponder still,
As we dance to destiny’s will.
Yet in this lie, a beauty grows,
A shared dream that humanity knows.
Shall we delve deeper into these mirages that shape our collective saga?
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