The Next Big Idea Daily
S34 E3: "Useful Delusions: The Power and Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain" by Shankar Vedantam & Bill Mesler
Sep 27, 2023
Shankar Vedantam, host of 'Hidden Brain,' explores the power of self-deception in human flourishing and its role in fostering happiness and satisfaction within relationships. They discuss how delusional beliefs about our loved ones contribute to our contentment. Additionally, they delve into the usefulness of self-deception on personal, group, and institutional levels, including the concept of nations as delusions. The chapter concludes with the proposition of harnessing self-deception for important causes like fighting climate change.
17:08
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Quick takeaways
- Delusions about our partners and loved ones contribute to happier relationships by acting as a buffer against potential disappointments.
- Self-deception plays a significant role at both personal and societal levels, from placebo effects in clinical trials to fostering unity and cooperation in nations.
Deep dives
Delusions and Happiness in Relationships
Delusional beliefs about our partners and loved ones are crucial for our happiness and satisfaction in relationships. People who see their partners as more beautiful, intelligent, and kind than they really are tend to have happier relationships. The delusions act as a buffer against potential disappointments and help maintain a positive view of the relationship. This is also true for our beliefs about our children, as we often see them as extraordinary and unique creatures, which enables us to be better parents.
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