Is f it strange how believing in something that isn’t real can change how you see everything?

That the tooth fairy is real brings so much joy in a child’s life? That Santa does the same? That whilst they believe they are euphoric? And that’s where “if you have faith you can do anything” comes from? It’s just...is it possible we all need to deceive ourselves a little to be happy? Is it really deception if it works?

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indyjoe · 56-60, M

I don't know if it is so much deception as it is just putting a tangible "face" to our deepest hopes, desires, beliefs, and dreams.

Mindful · 56-60, F

A tangible face??? To our deepest desires??? Hmmm I don’t really understand ... that we desire a hero and that we desire a gift giver? That we desire strength? We desire any one particular item so much? This is an important statement. A face to our deepest desires....what do you mean? What is “our deepest hope or desire”[@ I hope you don’t mind elaborating. Thanks

indyjoe · 56-60, M

@Mindful I was just saying that many times we create images that embody those things when one doesn't exist in reality. For example...Santa Claus is the image and symbol of all we like and treasure in the Christmas spirit. Make sense now?

Mindful · 56-60, F

Yes, I just thought you meant something else, I thought maybe I was missing something. I’m still perplexed a little (my need to understand too much) about how hoping thru an iconic imaginary figure is so important. The reason I struggle is that my parent do not have us practice w Santa not tooth fairy and I know atheist who won’t practice any faith but have their children believe in fairies etc @indyjoe

indyjoe · 56-60, M

@Mindful It doesn't make a lot of sense when you think about it...but it is really not supposed to. It's more of an expression of things that are difficult to define in the real world. It's been that way throughout human history...look at religions and mythologies...we have always had a tendency to create things to explain and express things we don't quite understand but know that they are very real within ourselves.