A few words explaining why people follow delusion.

I. N. Paparrigas

 

The reasons why people follow delusion [plani] are multifaceted and complex, but they can be analyzed based on various studies and approaches. Here, we will examine some of the main factors that explain this behavior.

People are very often influenced by the opinion and actions of others. Frequently, they follow delusion because they feel pressured to conform to a certain rule.

Human nature includes many inconsistencies and weaknesses. People communicate and interact with each other in daily environments such as society, the workplace, or family, among others. They are compelled to simplify information and the reality around them. This can lead to potentially simplistic perceptions or generalizations about the world, as well as the need to ignore or overlook details or aspects of reality. This process can result in misleading perceptions and beliefs, as people attempt to understand the world around them based on the models and beliefs they have formed in their minds.

People are also influenced by their emotions. In situations of stress, fear, or uncertainty, they may seek simpler and more comprehensible solutions, even if these are misleading.

Human nature often divides the world into "us" and "others." People tend to conform to the values and beliefs of the "group" they belong to, even if these are misleading, in order to maintain their acceptance within it. When people identify as members of a specific "group," whatever it may be, they are more likely to treat opponents from "other groups" with hostility. This "group identity" can encourage intolerance toward "others."

People who feel fear or insecurity seek "easy enemies" to attribute their insecurity to, and when "leaders" promote conflicts between different groups, they may be much more influenced by them.

The influence of the media and social networks can worsen this situation due to the rapid spread of information, increasing access to extreme opinions and events, causing division among people.

Some of the possible solutions to the problem could initially be:

1. Education.
2. Teaching that promotes love for one's neighbor.
3. The organization of ecclesiastical bodies that offer free educational programs related to the above two examples.
4. Activities that address the needs of the poor, the sick, and especially the disabled, in order to raise awareness and "soften" the hearts of these people, bringing them out of the "isolation" of their own "world" and the "truth" they believe they possess.
5. Most important of all: Shepherds—as leaders—can and must set the example, avoiding "worldly" behaviors, promoting love while avoiding hostilities and divisions, demonstrating through their example that they truly uphold the Lord’s commandments and the canons of the Church.

 

Greek source: https://entoytwnika1.blogspot.com/2023/09/blog-post_4.html