Why Do We Run From Truth
Whether it's a personal truth about ourselves, a difficult reality in the world, or even a deep existential question, confronting it can be scary.

Running away from Truth is something we all do at times, and it usually comes from wanting to avoid discomfort or facing something that challenges us. Whether it’s a personal truth about ourselves, a difficult reality in the world, or even a deep existential question, confronting it can be scary. The truth can shake up our beliefs or force us to change, and that can feel overwhelming.

Why do we run from Truth?

The truth often requires action. And facing it can mean big, scary changes. For example, realizing that a relationship is unhealthy or that you actually don’t like your job might force you to make tough choices—and that’s intimidating.

Our identity is also wrapped up in the stories we tell ourselves. When the truth challenges those stories, it can feel like a loss of identity, leaving us disoriented or unsure of who we are without them.

Illusions can provide comfort, a buffer against the uncertainties and complexities of life. Sometimes, we would rather hold onto these illusions than confront a more painful or inconvenient truth. This is often why people resist change, even when the change would ultimately be beneficial.

The truth often requires action.

Then there’s the comfort of illusions. They can provide a buffer against the uncertainties and complexities of life. Sometimes it’s just easier to hold onto these illusions than face a more painful or inconvenient reality. Even when change would be good for us, the familiarity of what we already know feels safer.

While running from truth might offer short-term relief, it often creates more problems down the line.

Psychologically, we tend to use defense mechanisms like denial or rationalization to protect our ego from hard truths.

But while running from truth might offer short-term relief, it often creates more problems down the line. Ignoring something doesn’t make it go away—it just delays the inevitable. Facing the truth, however hard it may be, leads to growth and authenticity. When we stop running and embrace what’s real, we open ourselves up to deeper self-awareness, transformation, and even inner peace. In the end, it’s about having the courage to face reality, even when it’s tough.

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