If our perceptual map of reality is not aligned with the territory of reality, we can enter a cognitive dissonant mode and refuse to accept the actual reality that is, because we don't want to lose the valued beliefs we invented or accepted to try to make sense of the world or ourselves -- that we identify with and provide us with value and meaning in our lives.

Yeah and this tendency increases as we become old. If we had gone through the up and downs of life enough, then, for many of us, we had to have created some obstinate behavior to go through life, unless we are humble enough to meekly take the hit by life and learn. So most people are dead right there. I have to say, its a grace to be humble enough to learn. I see a lot of people, stupid in their lives not because they are ignorant, incompetent but just because they are not humble enough in some way. Humility has all in it itself.

And after that, because the point of knowledge is acquiring more knowledge they end up having none about life, and so stupid.

Great post though. thank you for sharing!!