Carl Sagan, the renowned American astronomer, once remarked:
"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It’s simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back."
This profound observation finds a stark reflection in the current socio-political climate of Pakistan. For decades, the people of Pakistan have been entangled in a web of deceit spun by various rulers who have exploited their trust. The recurring cycles of promises and betrayals have left the populace disillusioned, yet unable to break free from the charlatans' grip.
In the midst of this deception, a significant cognitive disorder comes into play. Known as confirmation bias, this psychological phenomenon occurs when people believe something and then take it as the absolute truth, disregarding any contradictory evidence. This disorder is particularly prevalent among many Pakistani leaders, who, convinced of their own narratives, reject any information that challenges their tunnel vision and view thereof.
Influenced by the confirmation bias the authority figures, begin to accept these notions as undeniable truths. This leads to a dangerous cycle where misinformation and manipulation are perpetuated, making it exceedingly difficult to uncover and accept the real truth.
The impact of this disorder is evident in various aspects of Pakistan's socio-political landscape. Take, for instance, the economic policies that have often been touted as solutions to the nation's financial woes. Despite repeated failures, these policies continue to be promoted and accepted, with leaders and citizens alike clinging to the hope that they will eventually yield positive results. The reluctance to acknowledge past mistakes and learn from them perpetuates the cycle of deception and stagnation.
Moreover, the polarization within the society, fueled by biased rhetoric, further entrenches this cognitive bias. Supporters of different factions are often so deeply entrenched in their beliefs that they refuse to consider alternative perspectives. This divisiveness hinders constructive dialogue and the pursuit of genuine solutions to the nation's problems.
Breaking free from this cycle requires a collective effort to embrace critical thinking and open-mindedness. The first step is to acknowledge that we have been bamboozled and that it is not too late to seek the truth. It necessitates a willingness to question those who err, scrutinize their actions, and hold them accountable. Only by doing so can we reclaim our power and pave the way for a more transparent and just society.
In the words of the mystic poet Rumi:
"The Soul has been given its own ears to hear things mind does not understand."
Let us strive to listen with our souls, to seek the truths that lie beyond the veil of deception, and to work towards a future where honesty and integrity prevail. By recognizing and overcoming the cognitive biases that have held us captive, we can begin to unravel the bamboozle and forge a path towards genuine progress and enlightenment for Pakistan.
Akhtar N Janjua
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