Grand Self-Deception

Any belief system is subject to charges of hypocrisy, a disagreement between proscribed and actual behavior, but regardless of its widespread press it's no more than one of the many breeds of deception and self-deception. Just as I've read that courage is the foundation for a good deed, self-deception may be the foundation for bad deeds. Self-deception enables typically-well-intentioned people to perpetrate evil without admitting or confessing it (to themselves, anyway). More importantly, entire groups of people can undergo self-deception at once. In fact, I am beginning to wonder if self-deception on a grand level operates as the duct-tape, buttress, or girder--perhaps even the mainspring--for society and culture. In the following I'm not writing from an exclusively Christian perspective but attempting to express a range of values.

• Consider the concept of sexiness, which is a goal for fashion and dance and media. The very word contains its real meaning, "sex". And sexiness is a positive quality, correct? After all, we're just animals, so refusing to embrace sexiness without restriction would be unhealthy and prudish! But wait--being perceived or treated as a "sex object" is definitely not positive, correct? History and past customs have shown how awful it was when people were reduced to the state of functioning as objects, so we're proud to have advanced past that point. Aren't we? Self-deception is the rescue from this dilemma. Self-deception enables us to pretend that sexiness has nothing to do with sex. The trick is to be provocative without thinking too hard about what is being provoked, see?
• Consider the concept of spirituality. Through spirituality people can reach a deeper level of existence. They can transcend. They can find the god within. They can communicate beyond the grave or use sixth senses. This is much better than those busybodies who rush around focusing on just what they can directly sense, correct? But wait--science and technology have taught us to toss out superstitions. Gods are human inventions that function as crutches for the weak-minded or weak-spirited. The supernatural is for the gullible, correct? Isn't it? Self-deception is the rescue from this dilemma. Self-deception enables us to pretend that spirituality has nothing to do with the superstitious supernatural. The trick is to be spiritual without thinking too hard about spirits, see?
• Consider the concept of personal freedom. Each person does all the harmless things he or she wants, without worry of oppression from others. Moreover, each person can pursue happiness as he or she wishes, and believe whatever world narrative he or she likes. The public should give the private free rein, correct? But wait--certain goals can only be reached as people work together. Democratic government doesn't reflect the will of the people unless the people put in effort. Some individuals are powerless to care for themselves. All economic transactions require more than one participant. Someone's personal life interferes with his or her ability to work. Duty and responsibility are what separate a functioning social system from anarchy, correct? Activities people must do? Self-deception is the rescue from this dilemma. Self-deception enables us to pretend that personal freedom is more important than duty and responsibility. The trick is to do whatever you want because it's your right to do so, but donate leftover resources to meet the minimum demands of duty and responsibility of a "decent" person, see?
• Consider the concepts of marriage and family. In so many cases, marriage and family end badly. Career offers an upward-progressing path, while marriage is the definition of a relationship that stays the same. Outside marriage, sex is a recreational activity. Inside marriage, sex turns into a monotonous chore. Children hamper someone from achieving his or her goals. The exciting years are before marriage, because marriage is "settling down". It makes no sense for people to be trapped by outdated, traditional norms, correct? But wait--large segments of the market are devoted to products for kids and raising them. On holidays, families gather to spend time together. Some people depend so heavily on family support it borders on exploitation. Without good families, humanity's future is in doubt. Sentimental media extol the preciousness of family. Over time, many single people grow desperately lonely. Marriage and family are extremely significant spurs to personal growth and adulthood, correct? Self-deception is the rescue from this dilemma. Self-deception enables us to pretend that the totally unfettered, single, self-centered person relishing life and career is accomplishing as much as if not more than the married shlubs who are discovering how demanding authentic love is. The trick is to view personal relationships in terms of emotional profit rather than as difficult but incredibly rewarding adventures, see?