Delusions are often functional. A mother's opinions about her children's beauty, intelligence, goodness, et cetera ad nauseam, keep her from drowning them at birth.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Positive illusions can protect people from harsh realities or harmful actions.
- In plain terms
- Believing good things can keep you from doing bad things.
- What can you take from it?
- Sometimes blind optimism is useful.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is delusion helpful?
- Where is truth better?
Another view
False beliefs can also lead to poor decisions.
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