"Les illusions se recommandent à nous parce qu'elles nous épargnent la douleur et nous permettent de profiter du plaisir à la place."

The core idea of this quote is that we often cling to illusions because they make life easier to handle. Facing the harsh truth can be painful, so instead, we choose to believe in more comforting, albeit false, realities.

Historically, this idea has been explored by many philosophers and psychologists. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, often talked about the human tendency to create psychological defenses to protect ourselves from the brutal realities of life. It’s not new. Since ancient times, people have created myths and stories, not just to explain the world, but to make it bearable.

Now, let’s think about a real-life example. Imagine a person stuck in a dead-end job. They know deep down that they’re unhappy and unfulfilled. But instead of facing that pain and the daunting task of finding a new job, they tell themselves that their work is stable, that it’s not the right time to make a change, or that they’re just going through a phase. This illusion saves them from the immediate pain of facing their dissatisfaction and the fear of the unknown. It also allows them to enjoy the small pleasures they can find in their current situation—like camaraderie with coworkers or the comfort of routine—even if these are just fleeting distractions from a deeper unhappiness.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by being brutally honest with yourself. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Ask yourself: What illusions am I holding onto? Why am I choosing to believe them? What pain am I avoiding? Once you’ve identified these illusions, take small steps to face the reality. It might be uncomfortable at first, but in the long run, you’ll find it liberating. You’ll be able to make more authentic choices that align with your true desires and values. If you’re stuck in a job you hate, maybe it’s time to dust off your resume and start exploring other options, even if it’s just looking online for now. If you’re in a relationship that doesn’t fulfill you, have that tough conversation instead of ignoring the issues.

Let me tell you a story to illustrate this concept. Think about Emily, a friend of mine. She was in a long-term relationship that everyone thought was perfect. Instagram posts, family gatherings, holidays—everything looked great from the outside. But Emily wasn’t happy. She knew she and her partner wanted different things in life. But the idea of breaking up, facing that pain, and dealing with the fallout was terrifying. So, she stayed. She told herself they just needed to work through it, that every couple has rough patches. This illusion saved her from immediate heartache and allowed her to enjoy moments of superficial happiness. But over time, the cracks grew wider. One day, she couldn’t take it anymore and finally faced the painful truth. They broke up. It wasn’t easy, but Emily felt a sense of relief. She was finally free to pursue what she truly wanted, without the burden of maintaining an illusion.

In essence, we might cling to illusions because they protect us from pain and offer temporary pleasures. But real growth and authentic happiness come from facing reality, no matter how tough it might be. So, next time you catch yourself avoiding the truth, remember: it's better to face a moment of pain for a lifetime of genuine happiness.