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

[yoyoangel.livejournal.com]

What they all said, really.
I choose to believe that everybody is nice and well-intentioned. This may or may not be true, but I (really, logically) believe that in this case, holding the belief makes it more likely to be true in practice. People's behaviour is affected by my expectations.