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Episode 16: Our Strange Relationship With the Truth
We like to think we are truth-seeking creatures.
But are we?
From the time we are children, we are surrounded by stories that are comforting, useful, beautiful—and sometimes completely untrue. We teach children to believe in Santa because the illusion creates joy. Families protect myths because the truth would create conflict. People stay loyal to political leaders they know are dishonest because the alternative feels worse. Religions offer meaning and certainty where evidence may be limited or impossible. Nations rewrite history to preserve identity. Companies sell narratives that everyone…
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