The Infinite Capacity for Self Deception: How Childhood Mental Blindspots Shape Our Lives

At 83, I no longer think about the capacity for self-deception as something I am slowly learning. Rather, it is a fact that surfaces again and again in the lives I observe and the experiences I gather. This phenomenon, what I call ‘mental blindspots’ rooted in childhood, is a profound insight into the human experience.

Mental Blindspots and Their Origins

The term ‘mental blindspots’ refers to the childhood-formed beliefs, values, and behaviors that shape our adult lives. These blindspots distort our behavior and decision-making, often leading to self-deception. They are the invisible filters through which we view the world, often dumbfounding us when we see how others behave or react to situations differently, yet we continue to rationalize our own actions.

Examples of Mental Blindspots

Politicians, friends, and family members are all subject to these blindspots. Children are particularly vulnerable to the influence of their caregivers, who often unconsciously shape their beliefs and behaviors, sometimes in ways that continue to impact them for years to come. Examples include:

Lying to oneself or others to fit in or for personal gain

Distrusting certain professions or groups of people based on early negative experiences

Struggling with right and wrong in decision-making due to deeply ingrained beliefs

The Role of Childhood and Parenting

Childhood forms the foundation of our mental framework, and it is often the parents who play a crucial role in shaping this framework. Parents, particularly those without formal training in child development, often assume a godlike role, setting rules and norms that shape their children’s lives.

Impact of Untrained Parents

The vast majority of parents do not receive formal training in parenting. This lack of experience can lead to unintentional brainwashing of children’s minds with adult language that can be misinterpreted and internalized. This can result in:

Rejection of societal norms and values, leading to confusion and frustration

Development of low self-esteem, mistrust, and proclivities towards anger and fear

Instigation of procrastination and right/wrong thinking patterns that can be detrimental

The Need for Parental Training

To address these issues, it is imperative that every parent is trained to manage their children effectively. This could involve:

Understanding the impact of early childhood experiences on adult behavior

Learning how to communicate and set guidelines appropriately

Identifying and addressing mental blindspots in both parents and children

Consequences of Lack of Training

The lack of training can lead to a wide range of negative outcomes, including:

Misinterpretation and misapplication of adult language by children

Unnecessary stress and confusion in adolescence and early adulthood

Profound emotional and psychological issues that can last a lifetime

Conclusion and the Role of Education

While schools play a crucial role in providing technical and academic education, the impact of early childhood experiences cannot be ignored. Parents should be prepared for the lifelong responsibility of shaping their children’s minds, with the right tools and education.

By promoting and implementing pre-parental training, we can create a more informed and insightful generation of caregivers. This, in turn, has the potential to transform the world and enhance the lives of millions. If we all play our part, we can create a future where mental blindspots no longer hold us back.

References:

Factfulness by Gerd Gigerenzer provides valuable insights on how to incorporate facts into life’s decision-making processes. This book is globally recognized and widely acknowledged for its impact on public health and other fields.