I’m looking for some solid resources to understand how illusions shape our perception. Like, why does one person believe in conspiracy theories while most don’t? And why are some people naturally better at spotting scams—maybe because their sense of reality works differently?
I also wonder how the mind should ideally be shaped and what kind of outcomes we can expect based on that. For instance, there are beliefs about God and certain philosophical ideas that people hold onto, even when they seem less probable. Is it okay to live with illusions if it helps maintain mental health? Or is it better to be a rationalist, even if that means seeing reality in a harsher light?
And what about psychosis? It blurs the line between illusion and reality, but where exactly does the difference lie? Should we sometimes hold onto illusions for a healthier, more stable mind?
I’d appreciate authentic resources—mainstream or underrated, classics or modern—but no pop-psychology fluff.
Thank You!!
by fakephysicist21