It’s a hard truth to swallow, but we all have a tendency to believe our own bullshit. This self-deceptive habit, which psychologists call ‘cognitive dissonance’, allows us to reconcile our wrongdoings and mistakes by framing them as externalities or other people’s faults. However, it can lead to hubris, unaccountability, and ultimately, a distortion of reality that often causes more harm than good.
Hubris, often considered a classical tragic flaw, is an exaggerated self-confidence or arrogance that can cloud judgment and lead to ruin. It’s an inflated sense of one’s capabilities and importance, typically stemming from an overindulgence in believing one’s own narrative or, as we might call it, one’s own bullshit. The problem with hubris is that it blinds us from the truth – the realities of our weaknesses, the consequences of our actions, and the perspectives of others.
A prime example of hubris can be found in the world of business. Consider Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. The allure of her story – a young, innovative entrepreneur taking on the big players of the medical industry – led many to overlook the inherent flaws in her product. It was her hubris, her belief in her own bullshit, that led to the eventual downfall of Theranos and a string of lawsuits for fraud.
Hubris is a stern taskmaster. Once we stop challenging our beliefs and perspectives, once we refuse to entertain the possibility that we might be wrong, we set ourselves up for a downfall. We stop learning, stop evolving, and start stagnating. When we refuse to accept that our excuses, complaints, blame-shifting, gossip, and other destructive habits are just that – bullshit – we bar ourselves from growth and improvement.
When others refuse to co-sign our bullshit, it can serve as a much-needed reality check. An individual’s refusal to support our narratives provides an opportunity to re-evaluate our perspectives and actions. It’s a wake-up call, reminding us to question our beliefs and assumptions critically. A well-timed pushback can be a lifeline, dragging us back from the precipice of self-deception.
Consider the practice of “yes-men” in corporate environments. These individuals continually agree with their superiors, thereby co-signing their bullshit, often to disastrous effect. One of the key factors that led to the collapse of Enron was the management’s refusal to listen to dissenting voices, coupled with an environment that encouraged and rewarded sycophancy. The result? One of the biggest bankruptcies in American history.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all self-deception is harmful. It can be a coping mechanism that helps us navigate the stressors of life. Nevertheless, unchecked and persistent self-deception breeds harmful habits such as chronic complaining, blaming others for our own shortcomings, or spreading harmful gossip. These habits often isolate us from others and perpetuate a cycle of negativity that can be hard to break.
In conclusion, recognizing and confronting our own bullshit is the first step towards personal growth and better interpersonal relationships. It is, in many ways, a quest for authenticity. We must challenge our own narratives and assumptions, invite and accept feedback, and learn to adapt. Only then can we free ourselves from the shackles of hubris and the labyrinth of self-deception.
It’s time to stop believing our own bullshit, and instead, start believing in our capacity to change, grow, and thrive. After all, the best lies we tell are often to ourselves, but so too can be the best truths.
