We have to believe in the stories we tell ourselves so we can cope and move forward with our lives. If we were to begin to see things from the outside, "as things 'really' are," some might say, then our sense of self would be usurped for ... what? The loss of plausible deniability, for one thing. Our pseudo, self-proscribed innocence.
We are taught that evil is concentrated in one source. Satan. The evil mastermind (Lex Luthor, et. al). That evil tends to gravitate to one particular area: slums, dark alleys, Pioneer Square in Seattle during Mardi Gras.
The truth we know intrinsically, yet sometimes gets clouded or covered up; maybe we choose to ignore it. But the reality is there is evil in every one of us - just as there is good in every one of us - waiting to get out. Suppress either one to successfully and for too long and an explosion of good or evil is bound to happen at some point.
Then again, sometimes people (Americans, even) make a big deal about how simplifying your life, or being easier on yourself or not working out as much have all changed their lives for the better.
What we tend to forget is the fact that "these people" had to make the money first to enable themselves to simmer down and simplify their lives through buying that ranch in Eastern Washington.
Athletes, especially tri-geek types (which I tend to know best), mention off-handedly that their performances went up when their overall mileage went down. No shit. "You" had to go through the pain and long hours to get your body to respond to doing less.
Suffering and hard work ultimately begat the most greatness.
