The Illusion of Self-Knowledge

Many individuals operate under the belief that they possess a comprehensive understanding of their own preferences and characteristics. However, this belief is often skewed by various biases and self-deceptions that distort self-perception. For instance, when asked about their abilities, most people rate themselves as above average, which statistically cannot be true. This phenomenon illustrates a disconnect between how we perceive ourselves and how we actually behave, leading to repeated choices that may not align with our true preferences, such as ordering a disliked dish at a familiar restaurant.