Self-deception

[ciphergoth]

Is self-deception always bad? Are there any beliefs so dear to you that, in a world where they weren't true, you would prefer to go on believing them?

Update: very interesting answers so far, I hope I get to hear from lots more of you!

Comments

[hamsterine.livejournal.com]

A lot of people would say that some of my beliefs were not true, and I would say that about a lot of other people's beliefs. So in a way we all live in a world where some of our beliefs aren't true.

If the world changed in a way that had important implications for any of my important beliefs, I'd want to know about it.

I would rather know the truth about something than kid myself it was ok when it wasn't. I don't think I could make the most effective plans on the latter basis.