Selective Reality

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Ten of Swords. From the Insectorum Divinorum, Parasitism:

It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept. ―Bill Watterson

Humans can be really smart, but we also can be extremely stubborn when it comes to clinging to certain ideas. We want to feel secure and safe, and we're often willing to put blinders on to keep from dealing with anything but our preferred reality. Parasitism is a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of its host (like the flea). Some folks make a living off of other people by trying to convince them to see life through a distorted lens. Yet there is misinformation (when people say something but don't have all the facts) and disinformation (when the intent is to mislead with false propaganda).  Reality can't be ignored forever; sooner or later we must wake up and view life with an open mind if we want to deal with it appropriately.