Family Quote by Naomi Wolf
““Societies tell themselves necessary fictions in the same way that individuals and families do. Henrik Ibsen called them “vital lies,” and psychologist Daniel Goleman describes them working the same way on the social level that they do within families: “The collusion is maintained by directing attention away from the fearsome fact, or by repackaging its meaning in an acceptable format.” The costs of these social blind spots, he writes, are destructive communal illusions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of America: Letter to the American People, Naomi Wolf, 2018
Societies create comforting myths, or vital lies, to mask harsh realities, leading to destructive collective delusions.
In simple terms: Societies tell comforting lies.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge shared narratives.
Themes
myths
social narratives
psychological defense
collective denial
truth seeking
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- family counseling
- media analysis
Key Concepts
social psychology
cultural studies
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What “vital lies” exist in your community?
- How can you reframe uncomfortable facts constructively?
A Different Perspective
Blind acceptance can perpetuate harmful outcomes.
