Lottie thinks to herself, “People say they want the truth, and they believe they want it, but it’s a lie…What you want, what we all want, is the story we believe in. And it’s probably a lie.” What do you think she means here? Do you feel this is true?

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On page 365, Lottie thinks to herself that “People say they want the truth, and they believe they want it, but it’s a lie…What you want, what we all want, is the story we believe in. And it’s probably a lie.” What do you think she means here? Do you feel this is true?

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The question calls to mind the many conspiracy theories floating around today. The taking a fragment of information and pushing it beyond reasonable boundaries is the essence of cult mentality. Reality can become distorted. Unfortunately, this has evolved across a large fragment of the population. Accusations as ridiculous as people eating babies! (sorry for the gruesome example, but it is true). Some people are so entrenched in these beliefs that it becomes their message, their doctrine (who won what, who didn’t; what vaccines are effective, what not; take care of the poor/hungry, let them fend for themselves; immigrants are mostly criminals, welcome the stranger). Individual thought appears to be at risk and group think (right or wrong) is on the rise across the spectrum.

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Well expressed Lorraine! Unfortunately not all people have the ability to process the difference between what is the truth and what is it a lie!

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You pretty much summed it up. When something as simple as determining fact from fiction has become so difficult for many people, it is no wonder that conspiracy theories are so easily sold these days.

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Everyone sees that same thing differently - they spin, rotate and resolve it to their own satisfaction and liking. So if someone remembers green, they do not want to be told that it was actually blue. Seeing another persons side of things distracts from and sometimes totally dismisses what we believe to be true. People do not want to believe that they were wrong, nor do they really want to change their opinions and side with someone eases belief.

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I think each person brings their personal beliefs and biases to the situation and that this does have a kernel of truth or is that a lie :slight_smile:

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Well, @Lorraine_D summed it up nicely. Living in the U.S. for the past 11 years has felt like being trapped in a dystopian novel. So many people have proven that they will believe anything fed to them if it fits into the way they want to see the world. We’re still in the era of “alternative facts” and I can’t wait for it to be over. Finally. And forever.