“If a conclusion supports your existing beliefs, you’ll rationalize anything that supports it.”
What is it about being human that makes us want to believe in things, though hard evidence doesn’t exist?
Is it our intrinsic need to feel knowledgeable, worthy, and “in” on realities that the status quo just doesn’t support?
Is it in our nature to feel important? Seen?
Does it make us feel safer and therefore more powerful when we can be surrounded by shiny “proof” of the secret ongoings beyond our basic day-to-day lives?
We can not fault ourselves for seeking peace and answers when we feel so helpless. It’s frustrating when we don’t feel in control.
However, I believe it is dangerous to cling hopefully to conspiracy theories that may act as an “aha!” balm for our unease.
Just because stories are packaged in slick and captivating ways doesn’t mean we have to be led down rabbit holes of intrigue that may only guide us to more fear, anger, and the need for retribution.
Pause.
Unplug.
Step away and dance for a bit.
The world is not out to get you. There is not a secret society of planned pain, intentional chaos, and malicious takeover.
As human as it is to want to feel in control, it’s also within us to find trust that we are all in this together.
We may not be in the same boat, but we are in the same sea.
If you find yourself drawn toward ideas that make you feel filled with rage and unease, know that you are feeling exactly the way they want you to feel.
Don’t lose hold of your common sense. We are all feeling tumbled and tossed around, and deserve to come together with grace vs rip each other apart over the need to believe.
Confirmation Bias