Cognitive Dissonance

“Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted.

It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn't fit in with the core belief.”

Frantz Fanon

We all believe that our political opponents suffer from this, but if the statement is true, then we must all constantly ask ourselves if we might not be victims of this same phenomenon. I experienced a political epiphany in 2009, and that is why I became a Libertarian. But lately I am finding that even Libertarians can be guilty of being too dogmatic at times. It seems I have become a permanent resident of the world of cognitive dissonance. I don't find this particularly disturbing. More like interesting. I take a seat every day in front of my computer and wonder, "What will I learn today?" Boy, I sure do love this internet. Marketplace of new ideas.