Where strong desires are involved, it is very difficult to accept the testimony even of habitually accurate persons ; of this there was much evidence during the War, and in all times of great excitement.
Source: Religion and Science, 1935, by Bertrand Russell
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/RS1935_05-210.HTM
* a brief comment:
We all live with desires. Moderate desires can serve as a driving force for positive action, but when such desires become too strong, our ability to recognize facts as facts becomes distorted. Under normal circumstances, we should be able to distinguish between accurate testimony and false testimony; however, when strong emotions or vested interests are involved, such judgment becomes markedly difficult. Russell pointed out that this tendency is especially pronounced in times of war or social excitement.
This tendency has been observed repeatedly throughout history. I asked ChatGPT to provide specific examples of this phenomenon in both Japan and abroad. It suggested several, and I quote one example for each below.
1. Example from Japan
War reports during the Pacific War
Even in the later stages of the war, when the Japanese military was in a disadvantageous position, newspapers and radio continued to report “expanding victories” and “numerous enemy ships sunk.” Among the reporters who simply conveyed government announcements, there were those who knew the actual state of the war, but in the climate of strong public desire to believe “we must be winning” and the emphasis on maintaining morale, very few people accepted such testimony.
2. Example from abroad
War situation and propaganda during World War I (European countries)
Even when the war situation turned unfavorable, newspapers in various countries continued to stress victory. Accurate reports from the front lines were dismissed as “enemy propaganda” and not accepted. This is precisely the period Russell had in mind.
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