Darkover
Angelic
- Jul 29, 2021
- 4,803
Why the Human Species Is So Delusional
The human species has shown remarkable achievements, from scientific advancements to incredible feats of art, engineering, and thought. Yet, despite all this progress, humanity remains profoundly delusional in many aspects of life. Billions of people cling to irrational beliefs, whether rooted in religion, culture, or self-deception, even in an era defined by access to vast amounts of information and knowledge. This essay will explore several reasons why delusion remains such a prominent part of human existence, touching on psychological, social, and evolutionary factors that contribute to this phenomenon.Psychological Comfort and Fear of the Unknown
One of the primary reasons humans hold onto delusions is that they provide psychological comfort in a world filled with uncertainty, suffering, and fear. Religion is a key example. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence explaining the natural world, billions of people still adhere to belief systems like Christianity, Islam, and others, which promise eternal life, divine justice, or some form of cosmic meaning. These beliefs offer a way to cope with existential anxieties, such as the fear of death, the meaning of suffering, and the ultimate purpose of life.The fear of the unknown is a powerful driver of human delusion. Accepting that life might be inherently meaningless, that death is the end, or that suffering is random can be terrifying for many. Religion and other comforting myths offer an escape from these uncomfortable realities, filling the void with narratives that provide hope and a sense of control. This delusional comfort is so appealing that it often overrides reason and evidence, with many people choosing belief over facts simply because it makes life feel more bearable.
Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Bias
Humans have evolved with certain cognitive biases that contribute to delusional thinking. These biases were once beneficial for survival but now often lead to irrational conclusions. One such bias is the pattern recognition ability, which helped early humans detect threats in their environment. In the modern world, this same tendency leads to the creation of superstitions, conspiracy theories, and other forms of magical thinking. People see patterns where none exist, attributing random events to divine intervention or malevolent forces, reinforcing their delusional beliefs.Another evolutionary factor is confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing evidence that contradicts them. This bias explains why so many people continue to believe in the supernatural, pseudoscience, or political ideologies despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Once a belief becomes part of a person's identity or worldview, it becomes deeply ingrained, and disconfirming evidence is rationalized away to protect the ego and sense of certainty.
Social and Cultural Reinforcement
Delusions are also perpetuated and reinforced by social and cultural systems. Human beings are social animals, and much of what they believe is influenced by the communities they are part of. Religion, nationalism, and other collective ideologies are sustained through social institutions like family, schools, and governments, all of which reinforce delusional thinking. From an early age, people are often taught what to believe rather than how to think critically. These beliefs become part of their identity, and questioning them is discouraged by the surrounding culture.In many societies, religious and political institutions wield immense power, and challenging these systems can lead to social ostracism, violence, or even death. As a result, delusions persist because they are woven into the fabric of human society, and rejecting them can feel like a betrayal of one's family, community, or even sense of self. This social pressure ensures that delusional thinking is passed down through generations, regardless of advances in knowledge or education.
The Role of Capitalism and Consumerism
In the modern age, delusions are also perpetuated by economic systems, particularly capitalism and consumerism. Advertisers and corporations exploit cognitive biases to manipulate people into buying products they don't need, convincing them that happiness or fulfillment can be found in material possessions. This leads to the delusion that success and self-worth are tied to wealth and consumption, despite overwhelming evidence that materialism does not lead to lasting happiness.The capitalist system thrives on perpetuating these illusions, encouraging people to work harder, consume more, and chase an ever-elusive sense of satisfaction. Meanwhile, deeper issues like inequality, environmental destruction, and exploitation are ignored or rationalized. The delusion here is not just personal but systemic, as entire societies are built on unsustainable economic models that prioritize profit over human well-being and ecological balance.
The Inconvenience of Truth
Another reason why delusion is so widespread is that truth is often inconvenient or uncomfortable. Accepting hard truths—such as the fact that life is finite, suffering is inevitable, and existence might be meaningless—requires a level of intellectual and emotional maturity that many are not prepared for. It is far easier to retreat into comforting delusions than to confront reality head-on. People prefer to believe in a higher purpose, an afterlife, or the idea that good things happen to good people, rather than face the chaotic and often cruel nature of existence.Furthermore, confronting the truth often requires change, which humans naturally resist. Acknowledging that the current political, economic, or social systems are broken would require people to take action, make sacrifices, and perhaps overhaul their way of life. Delusions, on the other hand, allow people to continue with the status quo, even if it is unsustainable or unjust.
