Self-deceit

Self-deceit is the act or instance of deceiving oneself, often about one's own abilities, motivations, or the reality of a situation. It involves consciously or unconsciously holding beliefs that are not supported by evidence or logic, frequently to protect one's ego, maintain a comfortable self-image, or avoid facing unpleasant truths. This process can manifest in various ways, including denial, rationalization, wishful thinking, and selective attention. It's a complex psychological phenomenon, often driven by a desire for self-preservation, and can significantly impact decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It is a form of cognitive bias, where one deliberately or unconsciously manipulates their own thinking to maintain an illusion favorable to themselves.

Self-deceit meaning with examples

• John, despite his consistent failures at the game, was in self-deceit about his skill, constantly blaming external factors for his losses. He’d tell himself he was unlucky, that his opponents were cheating, rather than acknowledge his own weaknesses and improve. This delusion prevented him from actually getting better, as he wouldn't examine his own game.
• Sarah was in self-deceit about her unhealthy lifestyle. She'd rationalize her excessive drinking and lack of exercise by claiming she was 'stress-relieving' and 'too busy.' The harsh reality of her declining health was dismissed and she prioritized maintaining the illusion of control over facing up to the truth.
• The politician was engaging in self-deceit by convincing himself his unpopular policies were for the greater good, even when evidence suggested otherwise. He ignored dissenting voices and cherry-picked data that supported his position. This delusion led him to alienate his constituents and damage his own reputation.
• After the breakup, Emily was in self-deceit; she kept telling herself her ex-boyfriend would eventually realize his mistake and return. She refused to accept his repeated statements that it was over and persisted in believing their relationship had a future. She would ignore signs of finality.