Our tendency to lie to ourselves often stems from the complex nature of human psychology and societal expectations. Lenny Wong discusses how in organizations, especially in the military, individuals might deceive themselves due to overwhelming demands and impossibilities. This internal dishonesty often goes unnoticed but is prevalent (1).

James Smith and Steven Bartlett touch on the placebo effect and optimism. Smith argues that while we might change our narrative for positivity's sake, genuine self-deception is challenging because at some level, we recognize the lie (2).

Dan Ariely observes that complete honesty can be unbearably harsh, suggesting that some level of self-deception is necessary to cope with life's difficulties. This notion is balanced by acknowledging the destructive potential of excessive dishonesty (3).

In essence, while self-deception can help navigate challenges and maintain optimism, it is vital to recognize its limits and strive for a balance to avoid significant internal conflicts and distorted realities.