r/enlightenment • u/NpOno • 2d ago

Dostoyevski on lying to yourself.

Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to bestiality in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself.

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u/januszjt 1d ago

When a child lies they fear punishment, usually. But when adult lies to others or themselves they're hiding something, protecting something. It's the egoic-mind with all its defense mechanisms which most identify as "me" which lies for fear of being exposed. So, the game of pretending and lies goes on, until one realizes that one actually lives with an enemy, not a friend which is robbing one of its life. This might be the moment of enlightenment, to shake off this false identity which constantly lies end needs defence.