December 20, 2024

Projection and denial 
are two of the psychological
defense mechanisms that are most
responsible for things being as they are.

It is a solid irony.
Things are as they are
because projection and denial
prevent us from seeing things as they are.

If we knew what's what
without projecting onto it
what we fear and what we wish,
what we dread and what we desire,
we would be much better positioned to 
deal with what faces us
and do about it what needs to be done about it.

Or maybe not.

"What needs to be done about it"
depends upon our orientation and intentions.

There is "What needs to be done about it"
from the standpoint of the situation as a whole.

And there is "What needs to be done about it"
from the standpoint of our self-interest, 
ambition, desire, fear, dread and what it means for us personally.

If we look at the world selfishly,
in terms of our perceived best interest,
we strive for a certain outcome.

If we look at the world from the standpoint of
benevolence, compassion and good will,
we strive for a different outcome.

What do we have at stake in what we face?
What do we stand to gain and lose?
And what part do projection and denial 
play in our thinking about what we stand 
to gain and lose?

The people killing democracy in this country 
and in the world
know what they want
and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

And they aren't willing to do anything 
to make the world a better place 
for all people to live.
The part projection and denial play
in them being the way they are
likely aren't as great as utter selfishness and
willful indifference to the needs of others.