Why Dostoevsky’s Wisdom on Self-Deception and Authenticity is More Relevant Than Ever in the Age of Social Media

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“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to bestiality in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself. The man who lies to himself can be more easily offended than any one. You know it is sometimes very pleasant to take offense, isn’t it? A man may know that nobody has insulted him, but that he has invented the insult for himself, has lied and exaggerated to make it picturesque, has caught at a word and made a mountain out of a molehill – he knows that himself, yet he will be the first to take offense, and will revel in his resentment till he feels great pleasure in it, and so pass to genuine vindictiveness.”

~ The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

These words warn us against self-deception, highlighting its detrimental effects on a person’s character and relationships. They argue that individuals who deceive themselves lose their ability to discern truth, eroding their self-respect and empathy for others. This lack of respect, in turn, leads to a decline in love and an embrace of vices as distractions.

Furthermore, those who lie to themselves become easily offended, often exaggerating insults and reveling in resentment. Such individuals may even invent offenses, turning them into sources of perverse pleasure and cultivating vindictiveness. Thus, Dostoevsky implores the reader to always be honest with themselves.

Questions to ponder on:

• What are the consequences of self-deception and how does it impact relationships with others?
• What is the first consequence of lying to yourself?
• How does inventing insults relate to self-deception?
• Why is the self-deceiving man easily offended?

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