Self deception – the most difficult form to acknowledge and defeat

I thought I had already shared a post discussing Stephen’s thorough and extensive definition of what a Paradigm is but searching through my published blogs I realized I only blogged about practical applications of this definition in conjunction with the other habits and principles he discusses in later chapters.

I strongly recommend everyone to read (or reread) his initial introduction to this topic.

Merriam-Webster or any other of the major word dictionaries does not do full justice to its definition. As of yet, I have not come across another source that explains the deep meaning of this word so thoroughly combined with its very serious and sobering implications.

The reason being that the implications of this word are being played out even more than ever before in a more negative, divisive and destructive way than its positive capabilities. There are so many forces preaching conflicting narratives, all trying to persuade, convince and manipulate us into following their idea, path or solution with little to no stimulation to think for ourselves and doing our own research.

Ironically though, that thinking for ourselves is also not without blame or danger. Despite all these external sources bombarding us, the greatest danger actually lies within us. The chance of being misled externally is directly related to our inner state of being.

To quote one sentence in that chapter that perfectly sums up the message Stephen is trying to convey to us;

‘We see the world, not as it is, but as we are – or, as we are conditioned to see it.’

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Paradigms and Principles

Inside-out

Page 23