Summary

The website content discusses the concept of cognitive dissonance through personal anecdotes involving a mango tree and a steam locomotive, emphasizing the struggle to reconcile conflicting thoughts and the search for relief in beauty.

Abstract

The article titled "Cognitive Dissonance" delves into the psychological tension that arises from holding conflicting beliefs or emotions, particularly in the face of decision-making. It illustrates this tension with the author's experiences, such as nurturing a mango tree that was unexpectedly given to them and their passion for steam locomotives amidst climate change concerns. The author reflects on the complexity of cognitive dissonance, noting that it is not merely a binary conflict but a multifaceted issue exacerbated by the rapid exchange of ideas in a connected world. The article also touches on the role of time in shaping attitudes and the importance of beauty in providing mental clarity and relief from the stress of conflicting thoughts.

Opinions

The author perceives cognitive dissonance as a common and intricate aspect of modern life, often oversimplified by politicians and others into binary choices.
There is a sense of frustration regarding the ease with which people can be swayed by simplistic dichotomies, especially in political contexts.
The author values the resilience and determination of their mango tree, which survived against the odds, and feels a sense of responsibility for its well-being despite the potential inconvenience.
A conflict is expressed between the author's love for steam locomotives and their awareness of climate change, leading to feelings of guilt and the need to reconcile past passions with current environmental concerns.
The author finds solace and mental clarity in appreciating nature's beauty, which helps to alleviate the anxiety caused by cognitive dissonance.
The article suggests that exposure to natural beauty can enhance critical thinking and provide direction for addressing personal and societal issues.

Cognitive Dissonance.

Contemplating conflicted thoughts and seeking relief in beauty.

Mango Tree maybe flowering on Apartment Balcony. Picture by John Rose.

What is Cognitive Dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance, Unwanted tension resulting from multiple conflicting thoughts, Alternatively maybe feeling frustrated about particular object and can’t choose between opposing plans that need decisions, Could have clashing emotions about relationships and can’t decide between patching or breaking kissing or slapping laughing or crying.

Frequently encounter people that simplify cognitive dissonance into two view points, Positive versus negative, Right versus wrong, Good versus bad, Coin flip decision, Politicians skilled at simplifying conflicts to simple yes/no choices, Pushing option that gets them elected.

Connected world confronting ideas thick and fast, Barely time for rational decisions, Seems to me conflicted dissonance here to stay, Intruding every day in every way, Permanent part of connected life.

Find myself in time dilemma, Cognitive dissonance coming from changing attitudes and new approaches to old ideas and notions, Change clashes with existing opinions causing cognitive dissonance.

Role of Time and My Mango Tree.

Friend planted two mango seeds and gave them to family, Passed onto me.

Thought they wouldn’t survive, One didn’t, Planted and watered under LED lights, Surviving mango went bananas, Soon to tall for lights, Repotted and fertilised, Placed on veranda.

Storms and rain wind and lightning still kept growing, Yesterday budding, Spring approaching need permanent spot, Friend had forgotten about poor mango, Too big for son’s garden, Wondering about local school, Love mango’s determination to survive and prosper, Guess I’ll have tree on veranda.

Cognitive dissonance because desire to help my mango clashes with perception of others’ indifference, Even though they created problem, Perhaps I’m the problem by not saying no?

Time and My Love of Steam Locomotives.

3801 Steaming recently near my apartment. Picture by John Rose.

Passion for steam, 3801 came to visit, Bought back happy memories grandparents visiting.

Remembered railfan days travelling and photo shoots, Soot in hair and nose sneezing and laughing, Nutty friends.

Decades pass, Climate change awareness, Stoicism and Gaianism, Believe electrification should be priority in surviving climate change, Felt guilty enjoying 3801, Cognitive dissonance arose through effort putting past things firmly back in past, Acknowledging experience changes learner.

Relief from Cognitive Dissonance.

Appreciating beauty clears the mind, enabling fresh insights. Picture by John Rose.

Cognitive dissonance sometimes called head banging, Takes its toll, Muddying mind creating anxiety sapping confidence doubting everything.

Such times seek beauty in garden and forest, Gaia’s touch clears mind giving clarity setting direction, Enabling confidence and critical thinking for addressing issues.

I feel blessed by Gaia’s beauty. Picture by John Rose.

Blessed be.