When Fiction and Reality Collide
Allowing delusions to continue is not kind, evolved or enlightened. It is weak, dangerous and destructive.
One of the standard features of science fiction seems to be some galactic race that is older, more evolved or of superior intelligence as compared to humans. Some have evolved to the point they no longer need bodies and travel from dimension to dimension in some god-like lifeforce, pure incorporeal energy without physical form. Some of these life forms look down on humans as ignorant children (like the Vorlons of Babylon 5) – or are simply unconcerned about humans at all (the Organians from the original Star Trek). Some amuse themselves by constantly toying with the unevolved (as did “Q” in Star Trek TNG).
But the common theme in this fiction is these races are far superior to humans, that they have transcended all the biological, intellectual and spiritual flaws of human existence and have become something superior, something better, something new.
When one observes the behaviors of certain deviant minority groups, one sees similarities to the advanced states of evolved beings from the pages of science fiction.
From the belief that melanin bestows racial superiority to the idea that transgenderism defeats human biology, there seems to be a belief that somehow there are people who are a new kind of human, something that is a new state that can break the bonds of the natural world and become something different, something that isn’t bound by natural limitations.
Unfortunately for those groups, that superiority is as fictional as the Vorlons, the Organians, and the “Q”.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, recognizes delusional disorders as “a primary disorder, with no medical or neurologic cause apparent. It is chronic and may be lifelong, but the delusions are internally consistent and logically constructed. Although the logic of the delusion may be abnormal, general logical reasoning is unaffected, and there is no general disturbance of behavior. Abnormal behavior, if it occurs, is specifically related to the delusional belief. The patient has a heightened sense of self-reference, and trivial or nonspecific events assume great importance through connection to the delusional belief.”
A particular variant of delusional disorders is one called Grandiose Delusional Disorder. This is a mental health condition that involves at least one grandiose delusion that lasts for at least a month.
A delusion of grandeur might involve a belief of:
being someone important or famous, such as a celebrity or historical figure.
having special powers, such as incredible strength, flight, or the ability to transcend human existence.
possessing an intellect or morality that is so superior to that of other people that other people cannot comprehend just how enlightened you are.
having a special mission to protect others or change the world.
completing a significant achievement, such as an art masterpiece.
having a special relationship with a religious deity or political leader or a destiny to become a leader.
Delusions may have little to do with actual talents. For example, someone who has never spent any time on art could still believe they’re a famous artist. Delusions can also become unsafe when someone takes risks because they feel protected by their abilities.
The most interesting aspect of this wave of grandiose delusional disorder is its basis in contradiction and circular reasoning. In the current version, the inferior are assumed to be superior due to their inferiority. For example, people are considered of higher intellect because they believe and espouse clearly nonsensical ideas. Failure is revered as success – “failing up” is a common aspect of this psychology. Premises based in irreconcilable contradictions are treated as wisdom and the people who spout them as gurus and oracles. Treating theories as fact and making fantastical promises based on nothing that exists or can ever exist are other aspects of delusion.
I would say this all appears to be science fiction, but this delusion tends to be far less science and far more fiction.
How can this continue? How can most people, people who live in a state of reality, allow their culture to be changed by delusional minorities?
Patients with delusional disorder may be difficult to treat, in part because of the centrality of the delusions in their lives. The often-formidable internal logic of the delusional system, even if demonstrably irrational and wrong, may militate against any form of treatment. When such delusions become central to one’s being, not even Socratic questioning to identify maladaptive thoughts and replace them with more adaptive beliefs is workable.
Still, I think the first step, as it is in every problem solving process, is to recognize the problem and stop facilitating it. Stop agreeing that a man who believes he is a woman is a real woman. Refuse to misuse pronouns until they are meaningless. Refuse reparations to people who have no evidence of harm other than skin color. Stop suborning wokeness because it makes you feel cool or morally superior.
Those experiencing grandiose delusions need to be confronted with the reality they are not a new version of humanity, they cannot break biological barriers with their minds, and most of all, being an idiot is not cause for celebration. Treating people with tolerance and respect does not mean we agree to be ruled by them or that we will change our culture or world to accommodate their delusions.
Allowing delusions to go uncorrected is not kind or a trait of an enlightened society.
It is an example of weakness.