Over the centuries bad behavior justified itself as self deception took its toll…essay explains.
2 Likes
… see Herbert Fingarette’s Self-deception. (1969) Routledge & K. Paul. ISBN, 0-7100-6346-6
Connected with this but also a book well worth a read. Very, very interesting cat this Herbert was.
and much recommended … his The Self in Transformation: Psychoanalysis, Philosophy and the Life of the Spirit. Basic Books. (1965)
2 Likes
Cool. Will check it out. I’m finding the self deception link to conscious and unconscious states of mind veeerryy interesting.
How does one claim to be an authentic person under these conditions?
2 Likes
… or under any conditions? Are there any conditions under which one can make that claim for oneself? It’s certainly a tough one. 
1 Like
Still Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius of Loyola superior on the subject of self-deception and many others.
1 Like
An excellent essay indeed. And yes, we were warned many times by past generations of ‘independent’ thinkers - Plato, Confucius, and many others - none of whom would get a voice today, sadly.
1 Like