The Impact of Self-Deception: Why We Fool Ourselves and Live On

Self-deception is a pervasive aspect of human behavior, often attributed to a subconscious coping strategy or defense mechanism. Sigmund Freud believed it served as a shield for fragile egos, protecting them from distressing truths. However, a deeper exploration suggests that self-deception is not an inward-facing, defensive mechanism but rather an outward-facing, manipulative tool that serves our self-interests.

In the realm of mixed-motive games, described by Thomas Schelling in “The Strategy of Conflict,” individuals navigate situations where cooperation and competition coexist. These games, reflective of real-life scenarios, can lead to counterintuitive behavior. A notable example is the game of chicken, where appearing to sabotage oneself can be the winning move.

Schelling explains that in a game of chicken, convincing your opponent that you are irrevocably committed to driving straight, even if it means crashing, can force them to swerve first. This paradoxical strategy rewards self-deception, not in the act itself, but in the appearance of it. The value lies in convincing others that you believe something, even if it’s a distortion of reality.

Politicians provide a real-world illustration of this phenomenon. The pressure to conform to societal beliefs often leads politicians to regurgitate their own self-deceptions rather than outright lies. The success of this strategy is evident in instances like promises to build walls or other grandiose claims.

In conclusion, humans engage in self-deception as a strategic tool in navigating life’s mixed-motive games. Those who refuse to play these mind games may find themselves at a disadvantage. Whether ignoring critical information or embracing easily refuted falsehoods, the ability to self-deceive becomes a winning move. Evolutionarily speaking, adept self-deception not only shields the individual from uncomfortable truths but also enhances their ability to deceive others effectively.