"The End is Near" mass unconsciousness

[Spectrum]

What does it really mean, in lay terms, Spectrum? There is a lot said about this all over the forum. But somehow, the definitions are usually complex.

Well, the simplest explanation is from wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding conflicting ideas simultaneously.

Where it gets interesting is, as wikipedia says:

The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance.

In order to try and alleviate the feeling of unease, caused by holding conflicting ideas simultaneously, and change cognitive dissonance into cognitive consonance, people become 'very creative' - self rationalizing and so forth. It's usually a belief which has no basis in reality, so that's where the conflict comes in. Personally, I think pride and ego also play a big part, not being able or willing so say "I made a mistake" or "I was wrong" or "I was fooled", when that would immediately alleviate the unease.

The book I referenced earlier in this thread, When Prophecy Fails, is one of the pioneering studies in this field. It's a good read.

In the words of Anthony Hopkins in Hearts in Atlantis:

"Wishing won't make it so"

By the way, the rest of the post was pretty insightful. Thank you for sharing.

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Since wisdom came up in this thread, I thought the following might also be applicable:

Ra: For the answer to this query we must begin with the
consideration of the serpent, signifying wisdom. This symbol has the value
of the ease of viewing the two faces of the one who is wise. Positive wisdom
adorns the brow indicating indigo-ray work. Negative wisdom, by which we
intend to signify expressions which effectually separate the self from the
other-self, may be symbolized by poison of the fangs. To use that which a
mind/body/spirit complex has gained of wisdom for the uses of separation is
to invite the fatal bite of that wisdom’s darker side.