The Utility of Self-delusion

IN-PERSON MEETING

Topic: Utility of Self-delusion

Self-delusion sounds like something you wouldn't want for yourself. But is it all bad?

Some contend that it is a useful booster for self-confidence and hope. Others say it evolved to make us better at deceiving others, as when George Costanza said "its not a lie, if you believe it". Others say that without self-delusion we would be condemned to a permanently clear perception of reality, that our lives lack significance as we are born then quickly die on a cold isolated planet.

It's interesting to see how people vary in the outwardly visible level of their self-delusion. In this meeting, we will discuss our experiences of how self-delusion affects our lives and the lives of those near to us.

Note regarding this group:

Please note that a major aspect of this group is to engage in dialogue not debate. While maintaining the freedom to be ourselves and honestly state what we think and feel, we want to generally do so in a civilized way. In dialogue, there is an emphasis on listening to understand, in debate one listens to find flaws and to counter back to win or convince.
In dialogue, an open exploration is primary, in debate one only reaffirms and protects one's own point of view. Dialogue explores assumptions, conclusions and/or beliefs in open consideration, Debate defends assumptions, conclusions and/or beliefs as fact and or truth.

Additionally, an emphasis in this group is to be aware of one's own immediate and direct perception and experience as opposed to simply referring to past conclusions or worse referring only to what someone else has said. Narrative or knowledge considered to be "Facts" are welcome but not to be taken without checking in with ones own direct, immediate experience. This emphasis is meant to encourage one to go beyond a mere intellectual or conceptual "knowing", to a more holistic or healing awareness and experience.

Freedom of thought and expression are valued greatly. There is no designated expert, no guru, no leader/facilitator per se. Diversity of perspective and opposing points of view are frequently expressed and the value of each person expressing their point of view is acknowledged.

What is, or what is true or meaningful about life is a theme often explored in dialogue at our meetings. As are thoughts related to self, awareness, consciousness, perception, thought, relationship, love, compassion and the like. These topics often arise in one way or another, either directly or indirectly. Also explored frequently is the meaning of the words in the group's title - Dialogue and human experience.