To what extent do people see what they want to see?

Question

To what extent do people see what they want to see?

Answer 1

varies with the person I expect - how strong they are and how much has happened to them. My experience is that those of us who were abused seem more able to see things clearly as they are and not as how they ought to be and that is one of the reasons why we don't fit in so well.

I think common interactions between people are mini contracts to be blind to the same things.

Answer 2

In healthy people, as opposited to very depressed one, the brain has a tendency to take in things that make it feels good.  That is, something that is consistent with your belief, worldview and ego.