Rationalization
Rationalization is explaining one's behavior with seemingly logical reasons that conceal more difficult motives, emotions, or conflicts.
Definition
Rationalization is classically described as a defense mechanism: a person gives a reasonable justification for his or her choice, even though the true source of the decision may lie in fear, shame, the desire to protect one's self-image, or the avoidance of responsibility. The need to explain itself is not a mistake - the problem arises when the explanation serves more to defend than to discover the truth about oneself.
Key ideas
- Protecting your self-image
- Apparent justification
- Avoiding a more difficult emotion
Practice and life
After an important decision, write down three reasons you say out loud and one emotion you may not want to acknowledge. Check if the reasoning doesn't sound too perfect.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to treat every argument as a rationalization. The second mistake is to completely ignore the emotional reasons behind the decision.
> The mind can beautifully explain what it doesn't want to see yet.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What emotion can I hide behind a logical explanation?
- Does my justification allow for inconvenient facts?
- What would I say if I didn't have to defend my image?