What John is describing in the last paragraph is the definition of "Cognitive Dissonance". It has become popular to hurl that around as another dismissive of those with whom you disagree, but few take the time to truly understand what it is, how we are all subject to it to some degree.
The idea that, in order to accept or believe a piece of information, would require the undermining of a great deal of one's foundational beliefs, then that information is rejected out of hand, without consideration.
As stated, all are subject to this, and only by being willing to challenge what we believe can we hope to rise above it.
Currently, due to the preponderance of liberal views in media, government and academia, it is the liberal viewpoint which is most frequently associated with this malady.
It manifests itself in a "The Emperor's New Clothes" style of willful, even cheery, rejection of obvious truths in favor of "narrative" supporting falsity's.
What John is describing in the last paragraph is the definition of "Cognitive Dissonance". It has become popular to hurl that around as another dismissive of those with whom you disagree, but few take the time to truly understand what it is, how we are all subject to it to some degree.
The idea that, in order to accept or believe a piece of information, would require the undermining of a great deal of one's foundational beliefs, then that information is rejected out of hand, without consideration.
As stated, all are subject to this, and only by being willing to challenge what we believe can we hope to rise above it.
Currently, due to the preponderance of liberal views in media, government and academia, it is the liberal viewpoint which is most frequently associated with this malady.
It manifests itself in a "The Emperor's New Clothes" style of willful, even cheery, rejection of obvious truths in favor of "narrative" supporting falsity's.