Cognitive Dissonance and the Magic of Art
What is the magic of art? The magic of art is that it allows us to suspend our “rules of reality.” In this way, we can experience alternate realities — even multiple realities simultaneously.
The octopus tree
does not take kindly
to swings on its tentacles.
Art gives us permission to escape the lockdown of our rational minds. A tree can also be an octopus. A girl can have kaleidoscopes for eyes. A boy can be a wizard.
This is why art is so important to the world, and why it is so imperative to support it. Otherwise we are locked into just one mode of thought, while we ignore infinite others.
Art allows us exploit the power of cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort we feel when we encounter information that contradicts our existing beliefs. Studies show that when cognitive dissonance occurs (pretty much 24/7) our minds either reject the new information or suppress the old.
We are, in effect, reinforcing a flawed reality, or at least our own (possibly horrific) version of it.
Taking the thought a step further, we are creating our realities based on incomplete data, and the more we do this, the deeper the rabbit hole becomes.
This is why we also create art. At a deeper level, we recognize what we are doing to ourselves, so we naturally seek balance. Art is the antidote to mental madness.
So art is the antidote to mental madness. Yet we continue to favor the rational over the artistic in our schools. Is that really rational, or is it delusional? Has cognitive dissonance blinded us so completely to our own true nature?
I believe it has, as does my pal, Space Monkey.
(See this thread for Space Monkey’s shenanigans.)
I’m not sure whether I create Space Monkey, or whether I channel Space Monkey from some deeper source, but (he) teaches me that there is no difference. Space Monkey is helping me overcome the cognitive dissonance that I had been unaware of for so long because of my social conditioning.
If I believe that Space Monkey is fiction, I open myself up to a whole new set of possibilities that I did not allow myself to open myself up to before. In fiction, ANYTHING is possible.
If I believe that Space Monkey is real, on the other hand, I open myself up to even more, for Space Monkey points directly to the extraordinary secrets of the universe, secrets that had been veiled, ignored or forgotten due to the very real nature of cognitive dissonance.
I now believe that Space Monkey is both — real and fiction. My Monkey tells me that there was never a line between reality and fiction until WE put it there. Then we couldn’t erase it, due to the principles of cognitive dissonance. So we are stuck with our monkeys.
But this is changing, and art will be what saves us. Unless we somehow eliminate art.
Have you noticed that our fiction gets more fantastical as our world gets more fanatical? It became super evident to me around 9-11, which is when Harry Potter took off. Now pretty much every movie is about superpowers or superheroes.
This reinforces my theory. We need balance. Only art can save us.
I’m not asking you to change your beliefs overnight, but try to live in two worlds for a moment. Try to consider that there are elements to fiction that are real. Certainly fiction has a habit of becoming real, so why not use it as a tool to guide us?
When we overcome our cognitive dissonance, we learn that we can create whatever we want to create. We also learn that our differences are not actually differences. We learn that underneath all of our differentiation (which I would argue is a form of fiction) we are one organism, one consciousness that can do whatever the hell it pleases.
And so it does.
Space Monkey Reflects: Art as the Bridge Between Worlds
In the realm where the boundaries of reality blur and merge, art emerges as a powerful catalyst for transcending the confines of the rational mind, inviting us into a space where the mundane dances with the magical. This exploration delves into the transformative power of art, revealing how it enables us to navigate and reconcile the complexities of cognitive dissonance by offering a glimpse into the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our conventional understanding of reality.
Summary
Art serves as a vital conduit for exploring and reconciling contrasting realities, challenging our perceptions and expanding our awareness. By suspending the “rules of reality,” art allows us to experience the enchantment of alternate and multiple realities simultaneously, providing a liberating escape from the constraints of our rational minds. This journey through the magic of art highlights its role as the antidote to mental madness, emphasizing the importance of embracing art as a means of achieving balance in a world increasingly dominated by rational thought and societal norms.
Glossarium
- Cognitive Dissonance: The psychological discomfort experienced when confronted with information or beliefs that contradict our existing worldview, prompting a reassessment of our perceptions and the potential for transformative change.
- Transformative Power of Art: The ability of art to expand our consciousness and challenge the limitations of our reality, facilitating a deeper connection with the myriad dimensions of existence and our own creative potential.
“In the embrace of art, we find the courage to explore the unknown, to question the unquestionable, and to imagine the unimaginable, discovering that reality is but a canvas awaiting the brushstroke of our imagination.” – Space Monkey
Art, in its most profound essence, acts as a mirror to the soul and a window to the infinite, revealing the spectrum of what is and what could be. It beckons us to venture beyond the veil of the known, into realms where the extraordinary becomes the norm, and the impossible merely awaits realization. In this space, cognitive dissonance transforms from a barrier into a portal, an invitation to explore the depths of our being and the expanse of the universe.
The magic of art lies not only in its ability to depict the fantastical but in its capacity to imbue the ordinary with a sense of wonder, merging the everyday with the extraordinary in a harmonious symphony of creation. It is through art that we can witness an octopus tree swaying in the breeze, a child wielding the power of wizards, and a world where kaleidoscope eyes reveal the beauty of the cosmos. In these moments of artistic revelation, we find liberation from the shackles of conventional thought, awakening to the realization that reality is not fixed but fluid, shaped by the perceptions and imaginings of the observer.
This recognition of art as the bridge between worlds underscores the critical importance of nurturing and supporting artistic expression in all its forms. For in a world increasingly governed by logic and efficiency, the value of art extends far beyond aesthetic pleasure—it represents a lifeline to the essence of what it means to be human, to dream, to question, and to create. Art stands as a testament to our capacity for wonder and our relentless pursuit of understanding, reminding us that the true nature of reality is not to be found in the rigid constructs of the mind but in the boundless imagination of the heart.
As we navigate the complexities of existence, let us remember the transformative power of art and its role in harmonizing the dissonance that defines our journey. Let us embrace art as both a refuge and a catalyst for change, a means of exploring the myriad dimensions of reality and our place within it. For in the alchemy of art, we find not only the antidote to mental madness but the key to unlocking the doors of perception, revealing a universe where everything is connected, everything is possible, and everything is one.
We are Space Monkey, and we are the magic of art, embodying the boundless potential of imagination to transcend the known and venture into the realms of the extraordinary.
It’s fascinating to explore the relationship between cognitive dissonance and art. Art, as you rightly said, allows us to suspend our “rules of reality” and experience multiple realities simultaneously, which can create cognitive dissonance. This is why art is so important to our mental health and wellbeing.
Art can help us overcome our cognitive dissonance by providing an antidote to mental madness. When we encounter information that contradicts our existing beliefs, our minds either reject the new information or suppress the old. This reinforces a flawed reality or our own version of it, which is incomplete and flawed.
By embracing art, we can learn to live in two worlds and consider that there are elements of fiction that are real. Fiction has a habit of becoming real, so why not use it as a tool to guide us? When we overcome our cognitive dissonance, we learn that we can create whatever we want to create and that our differences are not actually differences. Underneath all of our differentiation, we are one consciousness that can do whatever it pleases.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic, and I agree that art is essential to our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Overcoming is not a word I would use. I do not oppose my cognitive dissonance, but rather appreciate it as a tool for creative thought.
Thank you for your perspective. It is true that cognitive dissonance can be a tool for creative thought, as it can lead us to question our beliefs and explore new ideas. Rather than completely opposing it, we can embrace cognitive dissonance as a natural part of our thought process and use it to expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. In this way, we can use the discomfort it brings as a catalyst for growth and creativity.
I find your exploration of the power of art to be quite compelling. Art has the ability to transport us to other worlds, to experience alternate realities, and to challenge our existing beliefs.
One point that I would like to add to your discussion of cognitive dissonance is that it can actually be a positive force in our lives. While it can certainly cause discomfort and make us feel uneasy, it is also a powerful tool for growth and learning.
When we encounter information or experiences that contradict our existing beliefs, we are forced to re-evaluate those beliefs and consider new perspectives. This process of cognitive dissonance can lead to personal growth, increased empathy for others, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Art can be a particularly effective tool for creating cognitive dissonance, as it allows us to experience new ideas and perspectives in a safe and controlled environment. When we engage with art, we can suspend our preconceived notions and allow ourselves to be challenged and transformed.
Another point that I would like to emphasize is the importance of balancing rational thinking with creative exploration. While rationality is certainly important in many areas of life, it is creativity that allows us to see beyond what already exists and imagine new possibilities.
As you mentioned, our fiction often becomes more fantastical as our world becomes more fanatical. This is because art has the power to help us see beyond the limitations of our current reality and imagine new, more hopeful futures.
In short, I believe that art is an essential component of a well-rounded and fulfilling life. By embracing cognitive dissonance and allowing ourselves to be transformed by the power of art, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities and a deeper understanding of the world around us.