Noticing without tears
Sometimes people say that what I write is dark, or even depressing. This is because I write about things which we would all prefer not to be there.
We do not have to care about any of these things. It is important to know and to notice the world, but it is a mistake to base your mood upon it.
Why is it important to notice the world? It corrects the mental map we hold of the territory we inhabit. Our mental picture of reality is forever incomplete. To remind ourselves of this fact, and that much of what we believe does not match what is there in reality, is to become less deceived. It does not mean you are obliged to be less happy.
It is quite normal to deceive ourselves. We prefer to believe what we prefer, because it is pleasing to do so. This is a pernicious habit. Unchecked, it will lead you to believe things because the alternative is upsetting. You will choose your opinions to flatter your feelings, and the map you draw of the …
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