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"私たちの心は最も不快な真実と向き合わない驚くべき能力を持っています"

Mokokoma Mokhonoana
Mokokoma Mokhonoana Philosopher, Social Critic, Satirist, Writer
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Quote meaning
Sometimes, we just don’t want to face the toughest truths. Our brains are wired in a special way, allowing us to dodge these uncomfortable realities. It’s like having this built-in shield that kicks in when things get too messy or painful to handle. And you know what? This isn’t just a modern-day thing; it’s something that’s been going on forever.

Back in the day, say during the time of ancient philosophers or even before that, people would avoid harsh truths about their lives or the world around them. Imagine a Roman soldier who’s been told his empire is invincible. The idea of defeat isn’t something he wants to entertain. Fast forward to today, and it's not so different. We avoid thinking about climate change or our health issues because it’s just too darn uncomfortable.

Think about this: a friend of mine, Sarah, was always spending more than she earned. She knew deep down that she was digging herself into a financial hole, but she never sat down to look at her bank statements or plan a budget. It was easier to ignore those uncomfortable truths about her spending habits and the mounting debt. This went on until one day, her credit card got declined while she was out with friends. That moment forced her to confront what she’d been avoiding for so long.

So, what can we do to ensure we're not hiding from these tough truths? Start small. If there's something you don't want to face, like a health issue or a bad habit, take baby steps. Maybe you begin by just acknowledging it to yourself. Then, talk to a trusted friend or write it down. Don't let the fear of discomfort stop you from taking action.

Picture this scenario: you’re in your living room, binge-watching your favorite show. You know you’ve been feeling a bit off lately — maybe it’s your diet or the lack of exercise, but you’ve been brushing it off. Then you remember that you promised yourself you’d start running again. The idea of getting off that comfy couch seems daunting, almost ridiculous. But what if you just put on your running shoes and step outside for five minutes? You don’t have to run a marathon, just a lap around the block. It’s a start, and it’s facing that truth you’ve been avoiding.

The mind’s ability to dodge discomfort can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s great for moments when you need to protect yourself from trauma, but it’s not so great when it prevents growth. So next time you find yourself dodging a tough truth, pause. Take a deep breath. Face it head-on, even if it’s just a little at a time. You’ll be better for it. Just like Sarah, who, step by step, tackled her debt — you can confront whatever uncomfortable truth you’ve been avoiding. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Little by little, you’ll get there.
Related tags
Avoidance Cognitive dissonance Denial Emotional intelligence Human nature Introspection Mental health Psychology Self-awareness Truth
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