When common perception no longer provides the ability to differentiate between fact and fiction, the credibility of the observer is brought into question. More importantly, if false perceptions are then subsequently incorporated into a progression of logical thought, resultant distortions resonate throughout all thought processes extending from that particular point of reference, even contaminating newer and differing ideas.
The elements which form the substance of our perceived reality are not required to be the same elements actually perceived. Through the implementation of technology it is possible to create the nonexistent, with the only requirements being that such intentional falsehoods remain both undisclosed and undetected: hidden in plain sight.
If the means to differentiate are beyond the observer, the concept ceases to be an abstraction. All disbelief is miraculously suspended by unquestioning acceptance. Furthermore, through the process of inductive reasoning, that which is perceived is generally assumed to retain properties similar to previous perceptions, even if such a conclusion is factually untrue. On that bedrock of assumption lies our greatest threat.
The most potentially damaging aspect of this process, is the sizable amount of time and resources expended to develop such effective illusions. If utilized in pursuit of expanding the collective consciousness rather than creating sensory deception, this investment could result in achieving productive, long term improvements for every living thing on this planet. In short, such deceptions are a wasted effort due to their vulnerability to eventual detection. As a means for altering reality, such deceptions remind us of the misguided and fraudulent attempts at godhood that plague our world.
Existence relies upon perception, therefore creation of superficial existence must rely upon the achievement of desired perceptions. By use of a practice that controls the dispersal of information, or manipulates which facts can be revealed (and which cannot), it is possible to encourage very incomplete perceptions. And with common acceptance, it is possible to use this system to create what was not in existence before.
Deception relies more upon the ability to achieve the desired perceptions, than the intent of some predetermined purpose. If an observer is endowed with the ability to perceive this attempt at deception, not only will they experience a revision of thought, but it is less likely another attempt to deceive them will succeed a second time; the cost and complication of reversing opinion only increases. The motive behind any attempt at deception, although relevant and often enlightening, is inconsequential to the process of discovery. Mere knowledge of an attempt at deceit has far greater value.
It is vital for the success of any deception, that the distribution of all information and abilities necessary for its detection be minimized. If this knowledge and ability become widespread, the value of pursuing deception decreases. Common knowledge is the very enemy of deceit, but can often be hijacked in order to create even more misinformation. Those with the capacity to manipulate truth, ultimately invest in systems that control the flow of information, and rely upon public opinion for trust.
The forces which seek to manipulate others through deceit, are constantly pursuing development of concepts which need only exist through false perceptions. Most successful authoritarian structures commonly utilize information management to insure that popular perceptions will remain largely those considered desirable. By reducing the level of awareness, aggressively pursuing deception, and limiting the availability of contradictory facts and information, these structures shape our reality.
The more technologically advanced and theoretically complex this process becomes, the less likely that any detection will become widespread. With the adequate investment of time and resources, not only may a concept appear to exist, but the tools to render it obsolete tend to remain unavailable to most observers. This means you.
When misconceptions begin to take hold within a society unable to comprehend these misrepresentations and distortions, then the resulting integration of false beliefs may become fatal. Once existence has been reduced to the level of a concept accepted as fact without any attempt at verification, this phenomenon has the capacity to destroy all reason if widely absorbed by the dominant culture: social regression is inevitable.
The only hope for defeating this process, is for those who retain the knowledge and ability to distinguish such distortions, to publicly strip away these illusions through the credible presentation of verifiable fact. This isn’t much, but it’s all we really have.
Author’s Note: Originally self-published in 1996.