We have been told time and again that perception is reality. In a sense, It is true; our perception do color what we think, say and do. It affects our behavior. For example, we can cary a perception that our treatment of others as merely being 'candid', or 'honest'. We often hear the people who like to proclaim themselves as being straightforward. And because they perceive the attitude they express as being acceptable, they fail to see that others may interpret the behavior as rude treatment of others. They hold on to that perception right until someone think they had enough putting up with their crap and decides to put them in their place! Still people carry on thinking what they do is 'right'.

Our perception have intrinsic value only as they correspond closely to the reality that surrounds us. Illusions leads to confusion, inconsistency and they sabotage our goals.

Why does it work?

Illusions are powerful attractions that, in turn, give off powerful suggestions in our minds. So much that it compels us to discard reality and embrace the false hope it portrays. It's also very easy to base our lives on tradition and 2nd hand opinions - better to make decisions on hearsay, presumptions and inferences than to think for ourselves. We cannot deny that the truth is often ugly. It is ugly because we are in a constant state of denial. To embrace it, is to admit to one self's flaws and weakness. Thus, better a pleasant lie rather than the ugly truth.

The fact is, Perception isn't reality. Perception is perception and it could be either right or wrong, good or bad. It all depends on, to a great extent, how well it aligns in the long run with reality. (James R. Lucas)

"People live their lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That's how they define reality. But, what does it mean to be 'correct' or 'true'? Merely vague concepts. Their reality may all be an illusion. Can we consider them simply be living in their oen world, shaped y their own beliefs?" (Uchiha Itachi)