We are natural problem solvers. We diagnose. We prescribe. We medicate. We analyze. We identify the problem and quickly develop a solution to said problem. In order to do this we seek out reasons for everything. But what if our reasons are wrong? What if we simply do not know the answer to some questions, but are still carrying on as if we have all the answers to difficult questions? At times life is so difficult that we cling to the answer that makes the most sense, that seems to explain away the difficulties in reality. But this is laziness, not sophistication. There is no room for laziness in life. Relaxation is wise because it breaks the chain of dullness that could easily destroy us, but laziness is foolish because it tricks us into thinking we have all the answers. We do not know everything. Studies are often compromised. What appears factual to the human eye is often just the thing that makes the most sense, not the thing that is the most accurate. Being sensible and being accurate are two different things. It is sensible to arrive early so that you are not late to a show. It is accurate to arrive just early enough so that you do not have to stand out in the rain before the doors open. Accuracy requires that we investigate thoroughly, painstakingly even. But the brain is always looking for shortcuts, always trying to find an easier way of doing things to preserve precious energy. And so we often find ourselves stuck somewhere between close and not close enough when it comes to precision, when it comes to truth. Does this mean we are crazy or does it just mean we are human? This is the difficult question I place before you. Can you simply write everyone who does not behave in the appropriate way off as crazy or is there something more there? Are self-deception and lunacy the same thing? Let's take a look. Lunacy is extreme folly or eccentricity while self-deception the action or practice of allowing oneself to believe that a false or unvalidated feeling, idea, or situation is true. Clearly, the two are very different for escaping reality is not strictly foolish. Reality is harsh, cold and unforgiving. So humans turn to fantasy to alleviate the pain. This is not unreasonable or foolish. It is just how the human mind copes with the real world. It would be easy to defame our enemies, to say that they are nothing more than lunatics, but solves no problems. Searching for reasons why we believe what we believe does very little as well. We must stop thinking in terms of why and start thinking in terms of what. If I am unhappy then what will make me happy again? If I am not feeling up to working a my job anymore then what can I do to find something that actually motivates me to go to work? If we ask why we are unhappy we obsess over that and go on an existential journey to find the meaning of happiness. But why should we waste time searching for the meaning of something that only we can subscribe meaning to? If we ask why we do not enjoy our job, we will begin to feel as if there is something wrong with us, that we are being too demanding? But how can we be wrong for feeling unfulfilled? It is important to stop and remember that things will continue to get worse, but that we do not have to allow our worsening environment to inform how we react. There are practical steps that we can take to protect ourselves and our families as long as we seek out that which can actually be sought. We cannot hack our brains, nor can we make them work for us. But, if we are willing, if we are brave, we can work with our brains and the brains of others to create a more informed perception.