Truth - The Power of Emotion Over Reason

“The power of emotion over reason" refers to the idea that our emotions often have a stronger influence on our decisions and actions than logical reasoning, meaning that even when we try to make rational choices, our feelings can often override our logical thinking process, leading us to act based on how we feel rather than what is objectively best. 

Key points about the power of emotion over reason:

• Decision-making:
  Research shows that emotions play a significant role in decision-making, sometimes even more than rational thought, as they can color our perception of situations and influence our choices. 

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• Emotional triggers:

• Strong emotions like anger, fear, or love can quickly activate our emotional response, often leading us to react impulsively without fully considering the situation logically. 

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• Rationalization:

• We often rationalize our emotional responses, justifying our decisions based on logic even when they are primarily driven by feelings. 

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• Impact of context:

• The power of emotion can be particularly strong in high-pressure situations or when dealing with personal matters where emotions are highly involved.

We all like to believe that our rational mind is always in control. But the reality is that it is not always in control. Reason often comes out second best to our emotional triggers. These ingrained and hidden feelings are more powerful than we think, like dormant volcanoes waiting to erupt. 

Emotions often trump reason when it comes to accepting the truth. The truth can evoke strong emotional responses such as anger, fear, sadness, or guilt. These emotions can cloud judgment, making it difficult for us to think rationally about the presented information. Instead of considering the facts, we react emotionally, rejecting the truth to protect ourselves from the negative feelings it might provoke. We tend to suppress these emotions triggered by truth and attempt to somehow discard the truth from “our world”. 

Emotional reasoning, where people interpret facts based on how they feel rather than on objective reality, is a common defense mechanism. It allows people to avoid the truth by convincing themselves that their feelings are more accurate than the evidence before them. This is why appeals to emotion are often more effective than appeals to logic when trying to persuade someone of a particular viewpoint.

“Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourself, make yourself clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do well. Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:3 RE)

“And even so, I have sent mine everlasting covenant unto the world, to be a light to the world and to be a standard for my people, and for the gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me. Wherefore, come you all unto it and with him that comes I will reason, as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning” …  (T&C 31:3 RE)

“Study to learn how to respect your brothers and sisters and to come together by precept, reason, and persuasion, rather than sharply disputing and wrongly condemning each other, causing anger. Take care how you invoke my name. Mankind has been controlled by the adversary through anger and jealousy, which has led to bloodshed and the misery of many souls. Even strong disagreements should not provoke anger, nor to invoke my name in vain as if I had part in your every dispute. Pray together in humility and together meekly present your dispute to me, and if you are contrite before me, I will tell you my part.” (T&C 157:54 RE)

… “the Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel and his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity to prepare the weak”... (T&C 58:7 RE)

… “The atonement process is Christ reasoning with, persuading, and forgiving each repentant sinner on an ongoing basis to redeem them” ... (T&C Glossary: Atonement)

I think reasoning is generally a harder task, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.

In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual.  - Galileo Galilei

Where all is but dream, reasoning and arguments are of no use, truth and knowledge nothing.  - John Locke

We live in an epoch where rational reasoning associated with evidence isn't universally accepted and is, in fact, in jeopardy. That worries me a lot.  - Rainer Weiss

That deep emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.  - Albert Einstein

Truth - Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and favor information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts them. Generally, people simply do not hear the truth they are not yet ready to consider. They choose not to critically think about the inconsistencies and discrepancies. This may be the reason truths are carefully bypassed.  Unwanted truths enter one ear and go out the other. When the truth doesn’t fit into someone’s established belief system, confirmation bias kicks in, leading them to reject truth in favor of more palatable lies. This tendency can lead to poor decisions and inaccurate conclusions.

“Encouraging and allowing people to tell us only what we want to hear is something we all do. It's classic confirmation bias". 

"Confirmation bias is twisting the facts to fit our beliefs. Critical thinking is bending our beliefs to fit the facts". 

“If the facts speak anything contrary to my view, the facts must be altered.”

"Confirmation bias is one of the most effective ways to go on living a lie".

Confirmation bias (finding information that confirms our preexisting beliefs) is reinforced by the way modern media is consumed. Algorithms on social media platforms and search engines (filters) are designed to show users content that aligns with their interests and beliefs, creating a feedback loop that reinforces our existing views. As a result, we become increasingly insulated from the truth, only encountering information that supports our preconceptions. The problem with filters is you only see what you like, not what you don’t. Basically, filters impede perspective.

It seems quite obvious, confirmation bias is not helpful in making informed decisions and achieving personal growth. Since confirmation bias is not worth keeping, how do we dismiss it? What are some methods that will help us stop practicing confirmation bias in our lives?

Here are 10 strategies that can help us keep an open mind and avoid confirmation bias:

1. Acknowledge your biases: The first step in avoiding confirmation bias is acknowledging it exists. Recognize your own biases and try to understand how they influence your thinking.

2. Seek out diverse perspectives and opposing viewpoints: Surround yourself with people who have different viewpoints and engage in open-minded discussions. This can help you gain a broader perspective and expose you to different ideas.

3. Consider the source: Be mindful of the source of the information you are receiving. Are they biased in any way? Do they have a vested interest in the outcome? By considering the source, you can be more discerning about the information you receive.
   

4. Consider the opposite: When making a decision or forming an opinion, intentionally consider the opposite viewpoint. This can help you identify weaknesses in your own argument and strengthen your position.

5. Question assumptions: Don’t take things at face value. Question your assumptions and seek out evidence that supports or challenges them.

6. Do your research and use data: When making a decision, gather as much information as possible from a variety of sources. Rely on data and objective information rather than just your own opinions or beliefs. This can help you make more well-informed decisions and avoid confirmation bias. Be aware of your sources and try to get information from different perspectives.

7. Avoid echo chambers: Avoid surrounding yourself with people who only agree with you. Seek out dissenting opinions and be open to changing your mind; this is very important in the social media-obsessed world we live in.

8. Be aware of emotional biases: Emotions can cloud judgment and influence decision-making. Be aware of your emotional state and how it may be impacting your thinking. If you find yourself getting emotionally attached to a particular opinion or perspective, take a break from the situation. This can help you come back with a fresh perspective and be more open-minded.

9. Check yourself: Take a step back and observe your thoughts and reactions without judgment. This can help you recognize when you are being influenced by confirmation bias.

10. 
    Challenge yourself: Step outside of your comfort zone and expose yourself to new experiences and ideas. This can help broaden your perspective and challenge your assumptions.

Truth - The Illusion of Knowledge

Another reason people run from the truth is the illusion of knowledge, which can be a stumbling block like ignorance itself. In today’s information-saturated world, it’s easy for people to believe they’re well-informed when, in reality, they’re only consuming information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This illusion of knowledge creates a false sense of confidence making it difficult to accept new information that contradicts what we think we know.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when people overestimate their abilities or knowledge in a particular area. It can also cause people who excel at something to underestimate their abilities. People with limited knowledge or skills in a certain area may not be aware of how much they don't know. This can lead them to overestimate their abilities, even when compared to others' performance. A cognitive bias in which people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability, plays a role here. Those who are most confident in their “knowledge" are often the least likely to seek out or accept the truth when it challenges their beliefs. They run from the truth because they believe they already possess it, even when they don’t.

… “ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” …  (2 Timothy 1:8 RE). Both "ever learning" and "never learning" breed dangerous forms of ignorance and carry consequences.

“Woe to those who cry out: Everything is fine! Woe to those who follow the worthless teachings of men and deny God’s power and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Woe to those who say: We’ve received enough of the truth and we don’t need any more. In short, woe to all those who shake with anger because of God’s truth. Because those built on God’s rock are glad to receive truth. But those built on a sandy foundation are afraid of falling. Woe to those who say: We’ve received God’s word; we don’t need more of God’s word because we have enough. This is what the Lord God has said: I’ll give mankind line upon line, a teaching here and a teaching there, a little here and a little there. Those who follow My teachings and listen to My counsel are blessed since they’ll learn wisdom. And I’ll give more to those who receive; but from those who say we have enough, even what they have will be taken away. Those who put their trust in the scholarly arrogance of men or follow the false teachings of a man are cursed, because only those teachings given by the power of the Holy Ghost are true.”  (2 Nephi 12:5-6 RE) (Bold added)

Truth - Social Pressure, Conformity

Humans are social creatures, and the need for belonging is deeply embedded in our psyche. Social pressure can play a significant role in explaining why people run from the truth. When the truth goes against the beliefs or norms of a particular group, individuals may reject it to avoid being ostracized. The fear of social alienation is a strong force leading people to conform to the prevailing beliefs of their community, even if those beliefs are demonstrably false.

This phenomenon is particularly evident in the age of social media where echo chambers and groupthink can reinforce falsehoods. People are more likely to accept information that aligns with their social circles and reject truths that could isolate them from the group. The desire to fit in can override the pursuit of truth, leading to the perpetuation of lies and misinformation.

An illusion shared by a group is too often perceived and advocated as reality. Perhaps the greatest prison people live in together is the fear of what other people think. The solution is to do what we feel is right. We will find it’s better to walk alone than to walk in the wrong direction in a crowd.

Truth - Fear of Change

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong”. 

Change is inherently frightening for many people. The truth often demands change, whether it’s a change in behavior, attitude, or understanding. Embracing the truth can mean acknowledging that certain aspects of our life need to be altered. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty and fear. The status quo, no matter how flawed, provides a sense of familiarity and security. The unknown, which often accompanies change, can be a source of anxiety.

People run from the truth because it threatens to disrupt their lives. It’s easier to continue living with comforting lies than to face the possibility of upheaval. The fear of change is a powerful motivator, leading people to resist the truth even when it’s in their best interest to accept it. Never fear the truth. It’s the comforting lies that will destroy you.

Accepting things we cannot change, acting with courage to change the things we can, and having the wisdom to know the difference is priceless. We have little power over the circumstances, seasons, wind, weather, and other things outside of our stewardships, boundaries, or jurisdictions assigned to us. We cannot change all

situations where other people are involved without their permission, labor, and toil, but we can individually change ourselves. Recognizing that we are not where we want to be, identifying a better place to be, and accepting the changes needed to get there is a good starting point. 

Change brings opportunity, but some people don’t like change until the alternatives bring enough disaster to their “journey of life” to cause at least a change of heart.

With enough pain, hearts are softened. Without a change of heart, we can’t change direction. If we refuse to change direction, it’s a pretty good chance we will end up where we are going. Life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by calculated change, which can appear to be “quick and easy” or “slow and hard”, but is usually cumulative and happens incrementally in perfect timing with essential repentance. God holds us accountable for our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. We are personally responsible for our actions.

… “Finally, there are countless ways to commit sin and I can’t possibly list them all. However, I can warn you that if you don’t remain vigilant and pay close attention to your thoughts, words, and actions, and if you don’t follow God’s commandments and maintain your faith in the Lord until the end of your life, you will perish. So please, remember this and avoid perishing!”  (Mosiah 2:6 CE)

“Now, my people, consider this: If you’ve experienced a change of heart and felt moved to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, Do you still feel that way? Have you been keeping yourselves innocent before God? If you were to die now, could you honestly say you’ve been humble enough, that your clothes have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ — who is coming to redeem His people from their sins?” …   (Alma 3:5 CE)

… “You’ve seen and know that all who are converted to the truth, abandon the wicked and perverse traditions of their ancestors, and are persuaded to believe the holy scriptures (the prophecies of the holy prophets written there), which led them to faith in the Lord and to repentance, which faith and repentance bring them a change of heart; therefore you know all of them are firm and resolute in the liberty God has given them.” …  (Helaman 5:15 CE)

Truth - Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is described as the mental disturbance people feel when they realize their cognitions and actions are inconsistent or contradictory. Cognitive dissonance can be viewed as a mental and spiritual struggle, a psychological state of discomfort that occurs when a person holds multiple conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values simultaneously. It can also happen when a person's actions are inconsistent with their beliefs. This internal conflict creates mental discomfort, leading people to avoid information that contradicts their current beliefs or way of being. 

Every imperfect soul experiences cognitive dissonance to some degree at some time or another. It appears we can’t entirely avoid cognitive dissonance because it is merely the discomfort we feel when our beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, or values contradict each other, not the response itself. What can be mitigated, though, is how we deal with our discomfort. 

It is important to first notice our own cognitive dissonance because it isn’t always easy to recognize. Here are some signs to help us evaluate what’s happening within our soul:

• Feeling uncomfortable or anxious. These feelings are often enhanced before doing something or making a decision.

• Trying to justify or rationalize a decision we've made, an action we have taken, or our manifested behavior.

• Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about something we've done and trying to hide our actions from other people.

• Experiencing guilt or regret about something we've done in the past.

• Doing things because of social pressure or a fear of missing out, even if it wasn't something we wanted to do.

• Doing actions or participating in anything against our internal and core conscience. 

• Avoiding new information, feedback, or perspectives.

• Playing on our selective memory.

• Downplaying the importance of the conflict.

• Feeling to hide, lie, mislead, deceive, or resist being transparent.

When presented with truth challenging our worldview, the discomfort of cognitive dissonance can be so intense that we would rather reject the truth than reconcile the conflicting ideas. This rejection often manifests in various ways such as discrediting the source of the information, questioning the motives behind the truth-teller, dismissing the facts as unimportant or irrelevant, or convincing ourselves that it doesn’t matter anyway, all is well, it’s just fine. (2 Nephi 12:4 RE) The mind’s instinct to protect itself from discomfort is powerful, and cognitive dissonance is one of the primary causes for discomfort. When we hold very strong core beliefs and are presented with evidence that witnesses against these beliefs, the new evidence can be difficult to accept. Since it is so important to protect the core belief, we rationalize, ignore, and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with our core beliefs.

Perhaps, one of the most ridiculous things to reject is something we know little about, refusing to investigate and become further enlightened. Yet, this happens often. What keeps us from exercising sufficient faith and putting forth the required effort to search for truth? What prevents us from asking for it? Seeking it? Finding it? Why do we sometimes resist experimenting with valid evidence that is new to us? Why not practice the truth, live it, sacrifice for it, and fully embrace it? What is so appealing to us about choosing the wider path and using defense mechanisms to justify, ignore, avoid, deny, dismantle, or bury the evidence? Why do we want to hide the truth behind the curtain and out of sight at any given moment according to our own timing, preference, and pleasure? What are the pros and cons of finding and embracing the truth versus hiding and rejecting it? How can we deal with the conflicting information threatening the errors and fallacies we currently believe and/or act out?

Instead of resisting our natural tendency to rationalize our existing beliefs by rejecting and avoiding conflicting information, we can shift our mindset and approach the situation with curiosity. It is possible for those of us who experience conflict within ourselves, to change our beliefs and/or behaviors and be reconciled with truth. We can do this by being mindful of our values and pursuing opportunities to live those values. Everyone can overcome cognitive dissonance by being open to new truth, seeking, learning, acting, changing, and reconciling our actions and beliefs with truth while discarding actions and beliefs that create conflicting errors. However, that is easier said than done. The better, higher, and more narrow path is always more difficult to tread but is worth the effort. 

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that listens unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 2:78 RE)

Truth - Discomfort, Denial

 

“Many run from the truth and dread it. Others mock it and deny it. Why do we deny the truth? Are we trying to obtain comfort by denial? Is denial the ultimate comfort zone? How could denying the truth bring comfort? 

One of the primary reasons we run from the truth is to feel the quick comfort denial “sort of” provides. It’s important to understand that kind of comfort is like a painkiller offering almost instant temporary relief but having forever side effects with greater discomfort caused by unresolved issues. The truth, especially when it’s harsh or challenges long-held beliefs, can be unsettling and sometimes overwhelming. It forces us to confront realities that may demand significant changes in our lives, correcting behaviors and perspectives, and possibly altering social status and current circumstances. 

For many, the idea of revising our worldview or admitting being wrong is too daunting. Sometimes denial can offer a short-term refuge or shelter and serve as a method to avoid “taking the next step” and advancing on our road of progress. Denial is certainly an option and seems to help justify staying where we currently are and resisting movement forward or upward. It allows us to maintain our existing beliefs and avoid the discomfort that comes with facing the truth.

Denial isn’t just about avoiding discomfort. It can also be about preserving a sense of control. When the truth threatens to upend our understanding of the world, it can feel like the ground beneath us is shifting and our vulnerability becomes more apparent. Denial allows us to keep our feet firmly planted in fallacy, delusion, and error, even if it means standing on shaky ground. Then again, life is always a little shaky in some form or another for everyone, but addressing things head on, reasoning with God, and being truthful and honest, gives us a much more stable footing.

Denial is a dangerous drug, a powerful thing encouraging us to believe lies and dismiss the truth we don’t want to hear. Denial is a way to be selective about the “reality” we perceive or the “actuality” we desire. It also protects our fantasies, fallacies, and illusions we choose to keep, but it does not bring long-term peace to the soul, heart, or mind. Denial is indeed an enemy to peace and progress.

Protesting the path to remove our problems, rejecting the idea to discard our shortcomings, failing to admit to our errors, refusing to correct our wrong-doings, and avoiding accountability for ourselves is damning and definitely slows the flow of progression. When we refuse to listen to the truth, hear it, and soften our hard hearts, sometimes our advancement and forward movement are stopped cold and frozen for a season until our hearts, actions, and situations change. By dodging responsibility, driving around obstacles, and hiding problems without courageously facing them head on, we will not only be required to carry the growing burden already upon us, but find ourselves further loaded with the development and manifestation of additional weights, outcomes, and side effects that naturally follow anyone with a prideful and hardened heart.

Whenever the truth is spoken or shared, it is common to be offended. But generally, the truth only offends us when we are not living it and are feeling guilty about it or, in some form from our perspective, it messes up our plan or way of life. Therefore, we are not interested in hearing any more about it and often rebel and actively fight against it by mocking, denying and rejecting the truth declared. To justify, we tend to see ourselves as good and the “truth-teller” as bad and feel a desperate need to make sure others surely know that.

“Now, my son, I don’t want you to let these things trouble you anymore. Just let your sins trouble you with the fear that will humble you to repent. My son, I don’t want you to deny God’s justice anymore. Don’t try to excuse yourself in the least degree because of your sins by denying God’s justice. On the contrary, let God’s justice and mercy and long-suffering have full sway in your heart, and let them bring you down to the dust in humility.” …  (Alma 19:17 CE)

“If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth, only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.”  C. S. Lewis

Truth - Ignoring, Avoiding

Some run from the truth and hide from it. Others ignore the truth and avoid it. To adapt Gandhi’s quote, one might say, “First they ignore the truth, then they laugh at the truth; then they fight the truth; and then the truth absolutely wins.” Why do people attempt to avoid reality or ignore the truth when it’s clearly presented?

In an era where information is at our fingertips, one might think that the truth would be embraced and celebrated. After all, with the vast resources available to us, uncovering facts and arriving at informed conclusions should be easier than ever, right? Unfortunately, that is not how things always turn out. 

When God shares information, instructions, and truth with mankind, few are interested. When authentic and authorized messengers from God declare His message for mankind, many fail to pay attention, correctly understand, or adhere to His words. Whenever knowledge, understanding, or truth originates or comes directly from God, it would seem reasonable for everyone to perk up with enthusiasm and never ignore or reject it. 

Yet, paradoxically, people often run from the truth, especially when it’s presented to them in a clear, unvarnished manner. People tend to run away even faster with greater determination when repentance or internal change is required. This avoidance of truth isn’t just a fleeting tendency; it’s a deeply ingrained behavior that has profound implications for individuals and society as a whole.

… “Now the people were deceived; so they ignored Abinadi’s words and tried to arrest him from that time forward. And king Noah completely ignored the Lord’s word and didn’t change his evildoing.”  (Mosiah 7:9 RE)

… “He has no rank or position deserving respect, and when we notice Him, there’s nothing about Him to please us. He is despised and rejected by men — a man of sorrow and familiar with disease. And we turned our faces away, ignoring Him. He was despised and thought to be of no value. Yet it was our sickness He took upon Himself, our suffering He endured.”  (Mosiah 8:3 RE)

… “They ignored warnings about their iniquities, and they wouldn’t abandon them. And though they were commanded to repent, they refused to repent.”  (Mosiah 8:14 RE)

… “How can you ever gain light and truth when you use one another as the final authority on truth, and ignore the light sent by the Most High God?” …   (T&C 171 - TSJ 5:10 RE)

Since God is truth, wouldn’t it be wise for me to read or hear His words, ponder their meaning, and determine how they specifically apply in my life? How are my current paradigms and ways of living matching up to the words I have received from God? What do I need to change? Start? Stop? Reconsider and repent of? Is there anything that I need to correct or make right? If I have questions, shouldn’t I ask God, reason with him, and correctly understand His perspectives and suggestions so I can properly live His words revealed to me for my situation? Wouldn't it be wise to be obedient to His instructions given to me? How could I realistically expect God to give me further instructions if I ignore and discard what He has already given me? If I obey what God has already given me, He promises to give me more. I believe this promise applies to all because God is no respecter of persons.

… “Many people are given knowledge of God’s mysteries; however, they’re placed under a strict command to only discuss that part of His word He allows to be given to mankind, corresponding to their obedience and diligence given to Him. Those who harden their hearts receive less of His word. Those who don’t harden their hearts are given a greater part of His word, until they understand God’s mysteries. They can be given God’s mysteries until everything is fully known. However those who harden their hearts are given less of His word, until they know nothing about His mysteries. Then the accuser captures them and leads them by his will down to destruction. This is what the chains of hell mean.” (Alma 9:3 CE)