In politics, people tend to believe lies. Why?
First, pain. The truth is too painful to face head-on, so we refuse to acknowledge that what weāve chosen to accept as truth is, in reality, a lie.
Second, loss. To face the truth robs one of something held dear ā often power or control. Rather than find our place in a new context, we grasp for anything, and anyone, who will affirm, and help us retain, our current status.
Third, ignorance. Though less common, some people truly donāt recognize a lie when it is presented. Lack of knowledge, feigned or actual, provides them a state of bliss.
Fourth, cultural assimilation. A desire to fit in with oneās group, tribe, family or social structure causes you to believe what theyāre saying even when you know better.
Fifth, moral weakness. This is perhaps the most common reason. When someone doesnāt have the fortitude to do their own research they āleave the details to others,ā or they know the truth but are unwilling to speak out.
Sixth, secondary gain. Believing and propagating the lie brings a personal benefit, so we trade integrity for short-term benefits.
Seventh, fear. Acquiring better information would require that we take personal responsibility for the lies weāve believed and told and that we change our way of thinking and acting.
Eighth, protection. We seek to safeguard the fragile, though false, narrative upon which oneās life is built.
Ninth, societal politeness. Itās easier to go along to get along, so we choose not to upset the proverbial apple cart.
Tenth, cultural indoctrination. We develop blinders and become unable to grasp that what may be seen as truth for one segment of society is not for others.
goodfaithmedia.org
First, pain. The truth is too painful to face head-on, so we refuse to acknowledge that what weāve chosen to accept as truth is, in reality, a lie.
Second, loss. To face the truth robs one of something held dear ā often power or control. Rather than find our place in a new context, we grasp for anything, and anyone, who will affirm, and help us retain, our current status.
Third, ignorance. Though less common, some people truly donāt recognize a lie when it is presented. Lack of knowledge, feigned or actual, provides them a state of bliss.
Fourth, cultural assimilation. A desire to fit in with oneās group, tribe, family or social structure causes you to believe what theyāre saying even when you know better.
Fifth, moral weakness. This is perhaps the most common reason. When someone doesnāt have the fortitude to do their own research they āleave the details to others,ā or they know the truth but are unwilling to speak out.
Sixth, secondary gain. Believing and propagating the lie brings a personal benefit, so we trade integrity for short-term benefits.
Seventh, fear. Acquiring better information would require that we take personal responsibility for the lies weāve believed and told and that we change our way of thinking and acting.
Eighth, protection. We seek to safeguard the fragile, though false, narrative upon which oneās life is built.
Ninth, societal politeness. Itās easier to go along to get along, so we choose not to upset the proverbial apple cart.
Tenth, cultural indoctrination. We develop blinders and become unable to grasp that what may be seen as truth for one segment of society is not for others.
Why Do āGoodā People Believe Lies?
The conundrum of seemingly āgoodā people believing lies has faced humanity for generations, and itās the million-dollar question now facing the U.S. Letās consider some of the possible reasons they do so.
goodfaithmedia.org
