Objectivism 101 Concept Chart Metaphysics Epistemology Philosophy Objectivity Logic Reason Knowledge Standard Of Evaluation Perception Concepts Definitions Words Emotions Integration Values Certainty Deduction Induction/Abstraction Focus Evasion Context Fundamentals Knowledge is Hierarchical The Arbitrary Ethics Politics Esthetics Discuss Epistemology

Evasion

Evasion is the act of willful suppression of one's knowledge of reality, and the acting upon that knowledge. This self-destructive act is perpetrated constantly by those who are slaves of the false primacy of consciousness premise and are trying to act upon their feelings without regard to the validity or source of those feelings, or what the likely consequences will be.

Just as man can choose to think, he can choose not to think. Or more specifically, he can choose not to focus. Man can choose to avoid a particular topic or idea. Guilt, for instance, can make a man want to avoid thinking about a particular topic. His mind can focus on something else, which is the equivalent of changing the topic of a conversation.

Man can also choose not to thinking rigorously. Instead of making the effort to integrate ideas, he can choose not to. He can stay focused on particulars, and avoid the task of understanding.