Winged Squirrels & Strawberry Ice Cream: Truth & Lies
Winged Squirrels & Strawberry Ice Cream: Truth & Lie
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| Kittens Don't Need Reasons |
We've all had those moments where something feels… off. Like a note slightly out of tune in an otherwise harmonious melody. Or perhaps, the sudden realization that the "common knowledge" everyone seems to accept feels less like truth and more like a carefully crafted illusion.
Recently, I've been wrestling with two distinct, yet related concepts that illuminate the struggle between personal authenticity and the manufactured narratives we encounter.
The Strawberry Ice Cream Paradox: The Authenticity of "Because"
First, there's what I call the "Strawberry Ice Cream Paradox." It's a simple idea: I love strawberry ice cream. Nine times out of ten, it's my go-to flavor. But when asked why, I stumble. My reasons sound weak, hollow, and manufactured. It's NOT a logical choice, it's a feeling – a gut-level "because."
This paradox highlights the authenticity of unreasoned preference. It's like asking why you love kittens. The answer is simply, "because they're kittens." It's an emotional response, not a logical equation. Many of our deepest likes and dislikes simply exist beyond the need for logical justification. They are rooted in pure feeling, in a "because" that transcends rational explanation. The effort to provide reasons often feels forced and inauthentic, revealing the inadequacy of language to capture pure emotional experience.
The Winged Squirrels, "Big Lies," and Endemic Propaganda
Then, there's the insidious nature of manufactured consensus, exemplified by the "winged squirrels" scenario, directly tied to political manipulation. Imagine this: "We vote like this because elephants are green, and everyone knows squirrels have wings." This is the "big lie" in action. No one questions the colour of elephants or the nature of squirrels; they just repeat the narrative as 'explanations' of their voting choice, and if anyone dares question the squirrels, they are dismissed and/or derided as dupes of the opposition. No questions permitted or desired.
This is a propaganda technique. A falsehood so audacious, so consistently repeated, that it begins to erode our sense of reality. It's about creating a narrative, no matter how absurd, and presenting it as universally accepted. The more absurd the lie, the more likely it is to be believed when repeated often enough.
The "winged squirrels" represent these manufactured truths, these narratives built on flimsy justifications and repeated until they become "common knowledge." They are the carefully constructed illusions, like the absurdity of elephant voting, that seek to replace our own authentic experiences with manufactured consensus, often for the purpose of manipulation or control.
This insidious process is not limited to politics. It permeates our daily lives. Think of the message, "You will never amount to anything unless you study." This seemingly well-intentioned advice, repeated endlessly, becomes an endemic form of propaganda, subtly shaping our beliefs and limiting our potential. It's a "big lie" disguised as common sense, designed to control our choices and outcomes.
We live in an age of information overload. Narratives are spun, repeated, and reinforced until they become "common knowledge." These narratives, often fueled by fear, prejudice, or simple convenience, create an echo chamber where dissenting voices are silenced, and the absurd becomes accepted.
Reclaiming Authenticity: Trusting Your "Because" and Questioning the Winged Squirrels
Navigating this complex landscape requires a delicate balance. We must learn to trust the authenticity of our own "because," the gut-level preferences that exist beyond reason, like the simple joy of kittens or strawberry ice cream. At the same time, we must cultivate a healthy skepticism towards the "winged squirrels" of manufactured consensus, and question the things 'everyone knows', and the more subtle, but equally damaging, lies like "study to succeed," or "you are working class."
Furthermore, we should be wary of any explanation, from ourselves or others, that feels too smooth, too well-rehearsed. While it's possible that a frequently repeated truth requires constant articulation, the very act of having a "pat" answer should raise a red flag. It echoes the familiar adage, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." Why is our argument so perfectly formed, so readily available? Is it a genuine reflection of our inner truth, or a parroted narrative, a "winged squirrel" in disguise? This is not to say that all well-articulated arguments are false, but rather that we must approach them with a critical eye, asking ourselves if the explanation stems from genuine experience or from ingrained repetition.
Here is an analysis tool: bring the image of a kitten into your head. How do you feel? Now bring an image of your glib well well-rehearsed argument into your head. How do you feel? Does it feel like a kitten? Why not?
Here are some tools for reclaiming authenticity:
- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Pay attention to your inner voice. What feels true? What feels forced?
- Challenge Narratives: Question everything. Don't accept "truths" simply because they're popular. Especially those that are repeated over and over again, and that are absurd.
- Embrace Intuition: Trust your gut feelings. They often hold more truth than carefully crafted arguments.
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Step outside your echo chamber. Listen to voices that challenge your assumptions.
- Heal the Inner Critic: Recognize the echo of the manipulator's voice and replace it with self-compassion.
Ultimately, it's about having the courage to say, "I don't know why I like strawberry ice cream or kittens. I just do. And that's okay." And it's about recognizing that sometimes, the winged squirrels, and the absurd statements they make, and the insidious lies we are told, are wrong. And that's okay, too.
Ready to Embark on Your Healing Journey?
If you've resonated with the experiences and insights shared in this article and are ready to delve deeper into your own healing journey, I invite you to book a free 30-minute discovery call with me. Together, we can explore the unique challenges you're facing, uncover the patterns that may be holding you back, and create a personalized plan to help you create more fulfilling relationships and live a life of greater joy and authenticity. Simply click on this link to schedule a time that works best for you:
Book a free call, NOW!, I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on your path to wholeness.
Categories: Self-Reflection, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, Psychology, Personal Growth, Propaganda
Target Audience:
- Introspective, critical thinkers seeking authenticity & personal truth.
- Skeptical of mainstream narratives, valuing self-awareness.
- Those interested in psychology & challenging "common knowledge."
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