Deceit and Survival
Deceit and Survival
Human beings are innately deceitful, and virtually every conversation one has is filled with words of bias and expressions that engender exactly how we wish to be seen. If you don’t believe me, you’re either not being honest with yourself or living in complete denial. The fact remains that our connection with the world is based on manipulation to both establish our presence and importance and to uphold how we wish to be seen and valued as an individual. One may attribute this to ego alone, but this rabbit warren goes far deeper.
Our persona or how we are viewed as a whole is ultimately our greatest concern and the art of honing our words and expression is solely attributed to this need. It is fundamentally a mechanism for survival, to be accepted and valued in our relationships, family, friendship group and society as a whole. How and when we use these deliberate conversations depends on who we are talking to. Often, with those that are close to us, we use this mechanism far less, however when it comes to certain aspects of self, we lie, we exaggerate and manipulate with the best of them.
There is no shame in lying when it comes to self-preservation, for morality and ethical concerns pale in comparison to maintaining those relationships we need to uphold, for security, status and peace of mind. Relationships are all based on lies and exaggeration right from the get-go. Our compliments, our intricate seductions are planned and carried out without question or regret, for if we see something or someone we want, there is little that can stop us. So we invest in ourselves.
Some intuitive people discover this travesty and alter their behaviour because of it, becoming not only more honest but also fatalistic about success or failure, attributing either morality, religion or some philosophy for the change. For such a person life is indeed difficult, for they see through every lie, every plot to enhance self or position in any way. From their perspective life can seem quite unfair as it appears to be a battle of wits with little honesty coming into play.
Trying to find someone capable of both acknowledging this phenomenon and choosing to live honestly and in clarity, is almost impossible. For most people say they live in the light but rather dwell in the shadows cast by the self, the very painted portrait of who they think they are or want to be.
Once deception is outed it’s hard to return to normality, as one cannot unlearn the truth. Although the burden is heavy, there is a kind of cleansing in understanding the ways of human beings. And the knowledge need not be wasted as we perceive events with a different point of view. Personally to me, this has been a lifetime of learning and honing my thoughts, behaviours and knowledge to understand better this earthly existence.
Honesty and focused thought allow us to transcend the norm and better ourselves in a world that is harsh and deceitful. How we use our knowledge determines much about who we are, the truth versus denial, versus survival. Reality is often harsh in its presentation, but as I have done, we may choose to change for our own learning and benefit, rather than do what most people do. It’s simply a choice.
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Tony you speak truth here. I don’t know if this is only a truth to me or if others have found this to be true but when I take personal responsibility for my actions, practice discipline and love, and put all my energy into using the real within each moment and not trying to manipulate or deceive I find that humans are capable of so much more. Jamie
Yes, human beings have endless potential to overcome their propensities and transform their lives. Unfortunately, that is not always realised, thus this work. The more we realise our faults the better we can be in overcoming them. Glad you related, Jamie. Take care my friend.
Very insightful of truths all humans have had since toddler days when an understanding of words are learned. It often takes a lot of time to understand ourselves and to make the right choice. With my last and final love and hopes, I came solely and soulfully from honesty, made some mistakes, but learned more about myself and others. Very well-written essay, Tony.
Thanks, Phyllis, yes the road to understanding is filled with disappointment and realisations that change everything. Yet, in this knowledge we better ourselves and those who learn from us there is a better way to live. Take care.
Intriguing indeed my friend. I feel almost like I’ve become one of those intuitive beings in my adulthood after ive been through marriage and children. I think comfort with your crowd can play a key part in not having to participate in such deceitful behavior. Also I have been that deceitful person and know how it harms others. So maybe I choose to be that honest joe while playing that deceitful self-preserver in my own head…interesting indeed. Nice thought.
Thanks, Paul, yes how we live is our choice alone, but with awareness comes a burden and an opportunity to be better and see through the ruse of mundane life. These pursuits have always been my focus since teenage years and although the path is more difficult, the rewards are great. Take care, my friend.