Too Much Truth is Deadly

The truth is a powerful thing. It can set us free, but it can also destroy us. Too much truth can be fatal, both for individuals and for societies.

When people are confronted with the truth about their own actions, they may lash out in anger or denial. This can be seen in the case of people who commit crimes and then refuse to believe that they have done anything wrong.

We need to be exposed to enough truth to make informed decisions, but not so much truth that it overwhelms us.?As controversial as it may sound, being shielded from the complete truth is essential for our mental and physical health.

The Truth Is Like Alcohol

A little bit can be enjoyable, but too much can be deadly. A five percent alcohol beer will give you a light buzz, but a 42 percent alcohol whiskey will affect you much more strongly. And a 100 percent alcohol beverage, such as pure ethanol, will kill you if you consume enough of it.

Just as we need to be careful about how much alcohol we consume, we also need to be careful about how much truth we expose ourselves to. If we are not careful, too much truth can lead to?cognitive dissonance, anxiety, depression, and even violence.

The Dangers of Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a state of mental discomfort caused by holding two conflicting beliefs at the same time. This can happen when we are confronted with new information that contradicts our existing beliefs. In order to reduce the discomfort, we may try to change one of our beliefs, or we may try to justify why our existing beliefs are still valid. Our belief patterns and assumptions go for a toss, and we feel that we have been living a lie all our lives. This is not easy for many.

For example, if we believe that our government is honest and trustworthy, but then we learn that it has been involved in a cover-up, we may experience cognitive dissonance. We may try to change our beliefs about the government's honesty, or we may try to justify the cover-up by believing that it was necessary for national security.

Cognitive dissonance can be a very powerful force. It can lead us to make irrational decisions, and it can even make us sick. In extreme cases, it can lead to violence.

The Importance of Truth

Despite the dangers of too much truth, it is important to remember that truth is essential for our well-being. We need to be exposed to enough truth to make informed decisions, and we need to be able to challenge our own beliefs when necessary.

The truth may not always be easy to hear, but it is always worth knowing. It is the only way to live a truly authentic and meaningful life.

Any recent truth you have come across that has completely shattered your reality and belief patterns?

Vikram