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

[purplerabbits.livejournal.com]

I have to act as if I have free will, so that's a one. And as Katy says I chose not to be aware of certain unpleasant facts 24/7. but I wouldn't want to believe they were false.
I wouldn't want to know if there was literally no point in staying alive, but I don't actually believe that that sort of thing is susceptible to disproof, so that's OK :-)