Should you ever lie to yourself?

[@autolykos9822]

There is yet another option on how to deal with situations where you lack confidence (which seems to me, generally, the most common justification for self-deception): Fail faster. If I have to jump into situations where I don't have a clue what I'm doing, I reframe the goals. I know that I'm bound to fail, so I'll just try to go as far as possible and learn what I can on the way. That way, I can still look confident, because I am actually succeeding at my goal - and yet be fully aware of the risks and have an exit strategy ready. And sometimes, it is actually easier than it looks and I succeed :)

[@tomclark15]

I like this a lot

[@Kevthebish]

It took me a little while to catch on but I finally got it! You're talking about yourself in the third person! That was awesome!

[@smackay91]

In sports, it seems that self-deception actually helps some people at least some of the time. For example, long-distance runners often pick a point within view and tell themselves that the point is the finish line, then pick a new point when they pass it... ad infinitum. Running 100 miles might be unbearably daunting otherwise.

[@gabriellengali1266]

Great explanation and argumentation around the issue! One important aspect of this, is that there are some things - at least - that need a change, for the better that is. And if these things are lied about, they won't be able to get that betterment. This argument is also generally important in the epistemological relationship between the descriptive (how things are) and the normative (how things should be).

[@thehinduskakid]

I tried the CEO/worker strategy but I just keep trying to outsource myself. :(

[@nichoudha]

Then you aren't trying it, you're outsourcing yourself. :P

[@fredbloke3218]

When confronted with a difficult or unpleasant task that can be broken down into stages I lie to myself I will only do the initial stage, in this way you can trick yourself into overcoming the mental inertia of starting a task and often end up getting far more done than you intended.

[@jackbarnes2068]

Please start uploading daily, it's nice having lots of content of yours to consume!

[@measureofdoubt]

Jack Barnes Thanks. Yeah, I *think* I've found a way to make videos quickly and easily (it used to be pretty time-consuming for me, so I did it rarely). But I figured I should try out this whole frequent-uploading thing informally, before I officially commit to a schedule, to make sure I can do it. :)

[@otiebrown9999]

It is very difficult to lie to yourself.

[@bghkla]

So essentially trust yourself and try your best without overthinking the situation!

[@WylliamJudd]

The instrumental lie that I think of when I think of this sort of thing is free will. I don't believe it's logical to believe that free will exists. Yet it would be straight up impossible to live your life without pretending that it does. And, it's not difficult to maintain this lie, because the conclusion that free will doesn't exist is incredibly counter-intuitive, so even though I'm thoroughly convinced that it's true, I'm only convinced of that when I'm actually thinking about it, not when I'm out there acting in the world.

[@kant12]

That CEO/worker strategy is brilliant. I seriously think it would work for me. Gonna try it!

[@measureofdoubt]

kant Let me know whether/how it works for you!

[@kant12]

Julia Galef Gladly!

[@drankydrank1]

kant Same

[@vandertuber]

It works. Once you make your decision (CEO mode), you can be confident that you then need only to focus on executing on that decision (worker mode).

[@cantoprak7428]

Did this work

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way with why I concerned this mindful specifically argument... Vs Think more the hardest way instead of becoming soft and mute in what I shouldn't

[@Phi1618033]

Robert Trivers hypothesizes that we may have evolved to be self-deceptive because, as I like to say, the best salesman's first customer is himself. That is to say, it is easier to persuade others if we, ourselves, are whole-heartedly persuaded. In my area of research on the evolution of morality, I have a hypothesis that I call Operational Duplicity, which is essentially feeling and thinking one way, yet portraying alternative or contrary thoughts and feelings to others for the sake of deception. Of course, this would entail holding mutually exclusive thoughts and feelings at the same time (hence cognitive dissonance). Trivers would probably characterize this as some form of self-deception, where I characterize it as more like self-duplicity. Namely, there are two parts of us, the one that "knows" the "truth" but doesn't care, and the part of us that doesn't "know" the "truth" so is deceived--the duper and the dupee. We carry both the beguiler and the beguiled within us at the same time, solely for the purpose of creating an adequate appearance to others.

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way when I reasoned reasonably... Vs Think more when I questioned questionably

[@Heronjim]

The lie that helps us live is worth a thousand truths- Voltaire

[@andyisdead]

A lie is always wrong

[@dave9547]

@@andyisdead no they're not.

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as I walk and walk and walk Vs Think more as I learnt how not to be fool by those whose intention is to embarrass me

[@22FIFA]

Hey Julia I just discovered your channel and I find every topic interesting. I haven't watched every video yet so I was wondering if you have talked about relationships. I have a theory about the problem with relationships and the root cause. Now I'm no expert or have any philosophical or psychological credentials but I do a lot of thinking lol. Also i have learned from observing people around me. So my theory pretty much is that the problem with all relationships is that people are pretentious from the start. You meet someone you like that person and want to impress them. Lets say for example a guy meets a girl and he likes her. They start dating and usually guys want to impress the girl so he does things or say things that he feels will make him interesting. So they continue going out and this turns into a serious relationship. When the guy and girl start living together they start noticing each others true nature. This is where the problem starts and alot of people mistakenly say, "why did you change? The guy never changed, he has always been that way but he has made up a character to get the girl to like him. Basically what I'm trying to say is that we have to be genuine with each other. Let people know who you really are so that person has the chance to decide if they will commit to that person. Hopefully you'll read this and understand my point and if possible make a video on the topic. Maybe you can explain it better than I could. Thanks!

[@FaeDine]

I find this interesting as you can see it's a bit of a start towards the Scout / Soldier mindset.

[@measureofdoubt]

Ha, this is perfect -- literally one minute after I uploaded this video, I clicked a link on FB to this webcomic, "Delusionist": oglaf.com/delusionist/

[@measureofdoubt]

Julia Galef But, uh, that comic is generally totally NSFW, and also strange. Just felt it was my duty to warn anyone in public, about to browse unthinkingly through the other archives...

[@nontheistdavid]

Julia Galef Question. What if having beliefs about the world that are as rational as possible leave you emotionally in a state of unhappiness? Unhappiness because of the implications in regards to mortality, ultimate purpose, the unknown and even ones social and economical status. You know the saying about ignorance being bliss? So would it ever be rational for a intellectually honest person to choose (not sure how this could be achieved because it seems beliefs are not a choice) ignorance to escape from unhappiness?

[@thoperSought]

***** have you seen the movie "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"? it's kinda about that.

[@nontheistdavid]

ThoperSought Thanks for the recommendation. I will get it :)

[@thoperSought]

***** I hope you enjoy it!

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as how I looked into your face directly Vs Think more as wise as how I let you discover what's in my heart

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to reason more beyond being stucked... Vs Think more to always reason why while others don't

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to pickup all those failure detailed memories... Vs Think more to bring them up as experience footsteps of path to success

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Thin more to do something in a situation when it seems like I reached nowhere... Vs Think more but not to be fool as time waster

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think helpful-less Vs Think kindness-less

[@jefflandgraf8897]

I agree with everything you said here, but in the context of some sports or creative activities I think a certain kind of at least sloppiness of thought is quite useful. An example is trying to get the distance right when putting in golf. I do much better when telling myself "My hands are smarter than my brain" which is ludicrous but does help me concentrate without overthinking. Playing music can be similar. My piano teacher sometimes stressed how you can alter the tone of the piano by the pressure you use to hold the keys down (after the strike), which is not true. However concentrating on the pressure you use to hold the keys down does affect the way you initiate the key presses as you play and so telling yourself the pressure during the hold helps the tone can be useful. These might not be examples of truly "lying to oneself", but sometimes self talk that is not strictly true, but is rather designed to have a specific effect on ones physical/mental state can be useful.

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more this is how I feel protected with in you Vs Think more if you want to feel secure with in me

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more until I get what I want.. Vs Think more until I have what I can't lose

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as how *Every folktale has a moral to preach* Vs Think more the hardest way as how *Some folktales try to give the impression that the incidents had actually happened at some place and in some point of time*

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as time change... Vs Think more as people change too

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more not to compromise other's abilities.. Vs Think more with scheduled timing efforts

[@CricketStyleJ]

At least a few more cases can be made for self-deception: 1) Sometimes you simply don't understand the truth, but a lie can get you "close enough" to be useful, even if you know it's false in a strict/narrow/literal sense. 2) Self-deception might be more efficient or more effective than other ways to motivate yourself, even if it isn't the only way. 3) We all have irrational parts of our minds, and it could be a good idea to "trick" these parts in order to better influence our own habits or emotions.

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as little children's enemy Vs Think more as Parent's enemy too

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as possible with this intuitive formula that makes me to trust to self more and more... Vs Think more as wise as possible like why shouldn't I trust no one in this part either

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Else same strategy, reach nowhere in the end and this could result that I should stop acting like I'm dealing with you personally when you actually didn't

[@remyfate3005]

CEO me is stranded on an island and left only 3 instructions, live, laugh & lie.

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as Y is for *Yearnest* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as Y is for *Yourself* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to focus more on summer raining... Vs Think more as household activities that happen during these months, like special church gathering services, funeral, death anniversary, birthday, wedding etc

[@ValleyData]

Great topic.

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as O is for Operating System Vs Think more the hardest way as P is for Precedence of Operators

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think not like before as a person who always care too much for each family members... Vs Think when they don't give a damn after they are more successful

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more when I'm wise enough to fool not by anyone... Vs Think more when I'm wise enough to fool not by self way also

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more just like how I assured myself not to have any link between me and the people who seems to unfit with what I'm specifically working on... Vs Think more even if it falls to my neighbours, relatives, family members etc

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more but to rationalise as difficult to tempt against me... Vs Think more to rationalise like I wonder how much you are real with what's that tempt you the most

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more like I think for self... Vs Think more like I didn't what others had so much to think of themselves

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as E is for Explaining Vs Think more the hardest way as F is for Fasting

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as how I trusted what I specifically focused on and what I believed in... Vs Think more the hardest way as wise as I don't wanted to talk to anyone

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as S is for *Say It Louder* again VS Think more the quickest intuitively way as S is for *Stop Making Excuses* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way when I'm wise enough to trust no one... Vs Think more or else I don't trust you either

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the lie, and lie and lie that I shouldn't keep continuing this way... Vs Think more the honest, honest and honest to you until you changed no more

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as V is for *Viewpoints* again VS Think more the quickest intuitively way as I is for *Opinions* again

[@jayrob5270]

Problem is I don't trust my CEO mode because it's let me down MANY times

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as R is for *Responsive Design* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as R is for *Registrar* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as how I didn't wanted to distract others Vs Think more as wise as how I keep my eyes opened until I fall asleep when you drag me close to you

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way when I know I need the real you because... Vs Think more just like how I repeatedly and honestly open to you always

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as people who avoid thieving, robbering or cheating... Vs Think more as hands that feed it's stomach with rightous yearn

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to rationalise by simply sitting at home... Vs Think more it doesn't mean I am not busying

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as you in your location, where the moment you stepped out from your house-door, you encounter the many moving vehicles on the street, the busy pedestrians on the streets, the workers, the busy noises of civilized people, the clean footpaths, the frequent intersection of road signs/signals/traffic lights etc, The giant tallest buildings or Skycrappers, the busy metros, the roaring airplanes, the busy tram drivers, the lining cabs etc... Vs Think more but as me, the moment I moved out from house Compound entrance, the moment I met the cattling cow, the few wagons that passing through, the folks with their Indeginous farming tools on the street, the muddy tires loaded trucks etc

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to speak with past experiences... Vs Think more but not to overplay the same lesson

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way with why I don't need to be ashame of when you are true to me all the time... Vs Think more the hardest way no matter how you may appeare to me

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as D is for *Determination* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as D is for *Dedication* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest lesson always... Vs Think more the daily self discipline and obedient nurturing way always

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more when I learnt how to stop suspicious of others and let others not to suspicious of me.. Vs Think more but when I'm wise enough how to rely not on someone else's ability but trust my own convergent opportunities

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as three groups of fishers in the river I met... Vs Think more yet not to be fool like I texted or deal with them virtually

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more as wise as T is for *Triumph* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as T is for *Tremendous* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more if you learn to follow my rules Vs Think more if you want me to follow your guidance principles

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way it's not because I'm sexier... Vs Think more but it's my right thing to say to the right person

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as possible it's not because I wanted to crack a joke laughably with everyone... Vs Think more as wise as possible it's a matter of fact for me to be open like a pure heart

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way to speak up like how I hate the fake reality.. Vs Think more the hardest way of how I hate the still not true evidences

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as QUIET as how I specifically focused on my own 30 years old soul... Vs Think more as wise as how I see the REFLECTION through your 37 years older soul

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as a person who shed a sweat to bear the truth... Vs Think not as the so called "earning with rightous" people but not in reality

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to not forget what I'm struggling for the most since 2012 till 2022... Vs Think more as fearless commenter since 2021

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as how *sometimes the impact of the films is not realised at once, it lives with us in our Sub-concious and appears gradually* . Vs Think more the hardest way as how *Cinema picks up the issues from the society* and how *serious and grave issues drive us to think about the needs of the society*

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more not to be fool as a person who lack knowledge or wisdom... Vs Think more but to be rationalise as a person who deal with everyday life's issues out of comfort zone

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as wise as how I shouldn't focus to others... Vs Think more as wise as how I should always focused on self

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way since the last comment 25 minutes ago Vs Think more the hardest way as wise as how I shouldn't be confused with the erased comment of this particular video

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as wise as E is for *Esophagus* again VS Think more the quickest intuitively way as E is for *Elk* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as secret of two in one till the end of life Vs Think more as their footprint following Offsprings

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the wisest way as the second content after *Communication: The Challenge* Vs Think more the wisest way as *The Assumptions we make* after the First content

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as R is for *Representing* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as R is for *Resignations* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as W is for Wind energy again Vs Think more the hardest way as X is for Xeroxing again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as wise as how not to be fool by anyone who repeatedly framed their chances of luck through my way of living... Vs Think more no matter what and how hard they managed to keep me at the level where they get an easy attempt to deducted from my specifically righteous grace

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as L is for *Lubricant* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as L is for *Launcher* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the Quickest Intuitively way as one thing that makes me not to believe in the people who keep me dreaming of getting what I should get since August 2022 as a School Teacher... Vs Think more the Quickest Intuitively way as wise as how I feel like I'm in a big debt, by bringing the mindset of taking too much care on how they continuously lied

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think S is for *Soundmind* again Vs Think S is for *Semantic* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to see the eatable stuff in grocery shops as cheapest eatable stuffs... Vs Think more to see the bank notes as paper as well as bank coins as metals

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more as a person who switched off every rooms lightbulbs when no one are there Vs Think as 1 sustainable lightbulb brightness

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think 2007/2010/2012/2021 Vs Think more to puzzle with unforgettable memories

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more like this.. Vs Think more not to be fool as kids over friendly too

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the Hardest way as how an Arithmetic Logic Unit can perform both Logic Unit and Logic Unit Operation.. Vs Think more the Hardest way as wise as how we can apply an artistic border using the shading dialog box

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the Hardest way as why spoken language is spontaneous and has simple constructions, Repetitions, intonnations and pause... Vs Think more the hardest way as how a language can be *formal, informal, popular* in Vocabulary Selection

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as L is for *Loyalty* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as L is for *Leadership* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more why everyone at the end... Vs Think more Why I still feel like I haven't found myself yet

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the hardest way as A is for aRE VS Think more the hardest way as B is for Bare

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more to happy not being treated as useless person... Vs Think more but to always comeup with an idea of financial profitable useful productive person

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more not to be fool by framingly and intentionally setup drama maker.. Vs Think more when I'm wise enough like how I mind with everyone everyday

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more since 5 hours ago.... Vs Think more the hardest blameless honesty way

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as O is for *Offshore* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as I is for *Ordinary* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the Hardest way as how the Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis were sons of well known Lyons based portrait painter Antoine Lumiere... Vs Think more the Hardest way as how Antoine noting the financial rewards of new photographic process, while Louis who began experimenting with the photographic equipment his father was manufacturing

[@JimnesstarLyngdohNonglait]

Think more the quickest intuitively way as P is for *Pallete* again Vs Think more the quickest intuitively way as P is for *Perspective* again

[@jimnesstarlyngdohnonglait3468]

Think more the Quickest Intuitively way as C is for *Context* again Vs Think more the Quickest Intuitively way as D is for *Deletion* again