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The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back
Only when people stop lying to themselves can society truly advance.
When people refuse to admit they’re mistaken, the consequences extend far beyond their own lives — they harm society as a whole. They push wrong perceptions of collective problems and try to implement flawed solutions. When too many act this way, the urgent issues we face cannot be resolved, leaving progress stalled.
To move forward, we must help people break out of their self-deceiving patterns so they can better face the truth of an issue. In The Blindfolded Society, Paul Daniel explores the psychological roots of self-deception and how to overcome them.
This book examines:
• How self-deception distorts our ability to analyze problems.
• Identifying the signs of self-deception.
• Why self-deceiving individuals struggle to recognize valid criticism of their community’s beliefs.
• The crucial role of self-honesty in understanding society’s fundamental goals and ensuring moral behavior.
If we want to create a better future, we must all be willing to confront the errors in our thinking.
When people refuse to admit they’re mistaken, the consequences extend far beyond their own lives — they harm society as a whole. They push wrong perceptions of collective problems and try to implement flawed solutions. When too many act this way, the urgent issues we face cannot be resolved, leaving progress stalled.
To move forward, we must help people break out of their self-deceiving patterns so they can better face the truth of an issue. In The Blindfolded Society, Paul Daniel explores the psychological roots of self-deception and how to overcome them.
This book examines:
• How self-deception distorts our ability to analyze problems.
• Identifying the signs of self-deception.
• Why self-deceiving individuals struggle to recognize valid criticism of their community’s beliefs.
• The crucial role of self-honesty in understanding society’s fundamental goals and ensuring moral behavior.
If we want to create a better future, we must all be willing to confront the errors in our thinking.
172 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Paul Daniel
33 books3 followersPaul Daniel writes about the invisible forces that shape how we think, feel, and live. He explores how our mental habits — often formed early and unquestioned — can either limit or liberate us.
His first book, The Playful Mind, helps readers rediscover the childlike ease and mental freedom that many lose in adulthood. His upcoming second book, The Blindfolded Society, tackles how mass self-deception stalls societal progress — and what it takes to break free.
Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and lived experience, Paul aims to make complex ideas both accessible and transformative. His writing is for those who want to understand themselves better, think more clearly, and live more freely.
Outside of writing, Paul enjoys spending time with his partner and two cats, reading sci-fi novels, and finding humor in life’s contradictions.
His first book, The Playful Mind, helps readers rediscover the childlike ease and mental freedom that many lose in adulthood. His upcoming second book, The Blindfolded Society, tackles how mass self-deception stalls societal progress — and what it takes to break free.
Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and lived experience, Paul aims to make complex ideas both accessible and transformative. His writing is for those who want to understand themselves better, think more clearly, and live more freely.
Outside of writing, Paul enjoys spending time with his partner and two cats, reading sci-fi novels, and finding humor in life’s contradictions.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 29, 2025
"It's worrying that people's minds are so widely impaired given that it's our best tool for solving problems."
-Paul Daniel in The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back.
Paul Daniel's The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back is meant to be an insightful read about how to overcome self-deception but it ends up reading more like a poorly written, and very long, junior college level essay. This is my second Paul Daniel book I have finished reading and although it's leagues better than his previous work it is still missing major elements to become great insightful literature.
I had stated in my review for The Playful Mind: How to Restore the Happiness We Experienced as Children "Paul Daniel uses this text as a sort of personal diary- the author is clearly trying to work through an epiphany and uses his personal life as examples of his thought process throughout the book but neglects to give any insight on what he's talking about or experiencing so instead of increasing comprehension it feels like trying to talk to someone with mile high walls put up" and that is true for The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back. On top of being highly repetitive there's no real insight or examples for the reader to follow. There's also no citations, research done, or personal examples.
This book reads like a half baked reaction to what has been going on in the world recently and I believe it could've said a lot of good- if it chose to say anything at all.
-Paul Daniel in The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back.
Paul Daniel's The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back is meant to be an insightful read about how to overcome self-deception but it ends up reading more like a poorly written, and very long, junior college level essay. This is my second Paul Daniel book I have finished reading and although it's leagues better than his previous work it is still missing major elements to become great insightful literature.
I had stated in my review for The Playful Mind: How to Restore the Happiness We Experienced as Children "Paul Daniel uses this text as a sort of personal diary- the author is clearly trying to work through an epiphany and uses his personal life as examples of his thought process throughout the book but neglects to give any insight on what he's talking about or experiencing so instead of increasing comprehension it feels like trying to talk to someone with mile high walls put up" and that is true for The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back. On top of being highly repetitive there's no real insight or examples for the reader to follow. There's also no citations, research done, or personal examples.
This book reads like a half baked reaction to what has been going on in the world recently and I believe it could've said a lot of good- if it chose to say anything at all.
December 10, 2025
Critical Thinking Begins at Home – Would I Lie to Me? The short answer: probably.
In The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back, Paul Daniel provides the long answer. And he does so with academic diligence, without sounding scholastic, instead deconstructing in simple, deliberate language to convincingly show how this is so. Furthermore, how self-deception, when allowed to proliferate, is a primary inhibitor to our ability to resolve societal issues.
At the individual level, the observations and conclusions are practical and go well beyond simple common-sense self-help. They thoroughly point out how one is vulnerable to tethering oneself to fixed opinions, regardless of contradictory evidence otherwise. Then how such self-deception, when combined and compounded, seeds the discord that inhibits finding common ground.
If everyone does their part at the individual level, that is if everyone becomes self-honest, it theoretically follows that group or societal issues would eventually resolve themselves. But it would be self-deceiving to not realize the damage is done, and exponentially worsening, largely due to social media and technology. Thus it would taken an inordinate amount of time and effort to achieve consensuses organically.
And so the latter chapters take a stab at positing how this might be achieved with a conscious effort. But any attempt to address general societal issues using abstract concepts such as common humanity, happiness, or the ultra-rich, faces one challenge: they mean different things to different people. Just trying to define the concepts with specificity, let alone the issues to arrive at actionable solutions, seems equally if not more prohibitive.
It's a valiant effort, but to me the universal application of what in its most stable form is an individual matter isn't feasible. Thus these parts come off more fragmented than what is so methodically laid out for over half the book. Nonetheless, this accessible compact book is well worth the time. It might even make a terrific Secret Santa gift, perhaps to both give and receive.
I received a free promotional copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
In The Blindfolded Society: How We Progress When Mass Self-Deception Holds Us Back, Paul Daniel provides the long answer. And he does so with academic diligence, without sounding scholastic, instead deconstructing in simple, deliberate language to convincingly show how this is so. Furthermore, how self-deception, when allowed to proliferate, is a primary inhibitor to our ability to resolve societal issues.
At the individual level, the observations and conclusions are practical and go well beyond simple common-sense self-help. They thoroughly point out how one is vulnerable to tethering oneself to fixed opinions, regardless of contradictory evidence otherwise. Then how such self-deception, when combined and compounded, seeds the discord that inhibits finding common ground.
If everyone does their part at the individual level, that is if everyone becomes self-honest, it theoretically follows that group or societal issues would eventually resolve themselves. But it would be self-deceiving to not realize the damage is done, and exponentially worsening, largely due to social media and technology. Thus it would taken an inordinate amount of time and effort to achieve consensuses organically.
And so the latter chapters take a stab at positing how this might be achieved with a conscious effort. But any attempt to address general societal issues using abstract concepts such as common humanity, happiness, or the ultra-rich, faces one challenge: they mean different things to different people. Just trying to define the concepts with specificity, let alone the issues to arrive at actionable solutions, seems equally if not more prohibitive.
It's a valiant effort, but to me the universal application of what in its most stable form is an individual matter isn't feasible. Thus these parts come off more fragmented than what is so methodically laid out for over half the book. Nonetheless, this accessible compact book is well worth the time. It might even make a terrific Secret Santa gift, perhaps to both give and receive.
I received a free promotional copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2025
I was provided this work in exchange for an honest review. The prose is well written and easy to follow, but this book is highly redundant. This feels like a good first draft of a graduate level paper that is missing any citations to other literature. I believe that many of the points made in this book are meaningful, but there is a lack of real examples of qualitative or quantitative data or supporting philosophical material to provide additional substance or strength to the argument. Even more specific examples from the author's life may have strengthened the argument. I think this book has a lot of potential to be more, especially with the great cover design and overall moral of the discussions. I wish this author all the best in future writing.
November 12, 2025
Paul Daniel's Blindfolded Society is an intriguing idea with an intriguing premise. The narrative examines fascinating concepts and delivers them in a way that demonstrates the author's originality and meticulousness.
There are passages that truly pique readers' interest, and the writing is lucid and captivating. Nevertheless, I wasn't totally into it. Some portions of the story didn't exactly grab my attention, and it was a little challenging for me to be completely engrossed in it.
That doesn't change the fact that others who like cerebral or idea-driven fiction would find it to be a fantastic read. Even if I wasn't quite captivated by The Blindfolded Society, it's still a worthwhile read.
There are passages that truly pique readers' interest, and the writing is lucid and captivating. Nevertheless, I wasn't totally into it. Some portions of the story didn't exactly grab my attention, and it was a little challenging for me to be completely engrossed in it.
That doesn't change the fact that others who like cerebral or idea-driven fiction would find it to be a fantastic read. Even if I wasn't quite captivated by The Blindfolded Society, it's still a worthwhile read.
December 1, 2025
was given this in exchange for an honest review
dnf at 42% - life is too short and i was just skimming through it anyways i
thought this would be a good psychological/sociological read, but it’s more like an essay (not what i thought i signed up for)
the title lowkey catfished me
it just seems like the words were written to try reach a word count, because it seemed repetitive and could’ve been condensed down
would be nicer to have research evidence to back up the theories too
the theories are interesting but surface level imo, i want to know why people self deceive or what makes people self honest like i know those sorts of people exist already cmonnn let’s go deeper
anyways, nice concept but not executed well
dnf at 42% - life is too short and i was just skimming through it anyways i
thought this would be a good psychological/sociological read, but it’s more like an essay (not what i thought i signed up for)
the title lowkey catfished me
it just seems like the words were written to try reach a word count, because it seemed repetitive and could’ve been condensed down
would be nicer to have research evidence to back up the theories too
the theories are interesting but surface level imo, i want to know why people self deceive or what makes people self honest like i know those sorts of people exist already cmonnn let’s go deeper
anyways, nice concept but not executed well
October 10, 2025
The title sums of the book very well. I absolutely love a well developed book about the psychology of society, twisted views, etc. However, I feel like Daniels idea is underdeveloped and repetitive, and while the idea of emotional immaturity is valid, it is not a free pass for bad behavior as an adult. I was hoping that this book would have really well researched insights, and strategies on how to deal with the cult like organizational behaviors of the current times, but instead it was just basic.
-received a complimentary copy in exchange for my review via Voracious Readers Only
-received a complimentary copy in exchange for my review via Voracious Readers Only
June 16, 2025
If you are looking for a book that will enlighten your mind and inspire your way of thinking then this may be the book for you. This book challenges your thinking and will have self analysis if you are open minded.
August 2, 2025
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book has some interesting concepts to challenge the readers thoughts, but it was not what I was expecting to read. I struggled to read it as I felt it repeated to emphasise the point it was making quite a lot.
This book has some interesting concepts to challenge the readers thoughts, but it was not what I was expecting to read. I struggled to read it as I felt it repeated to emphasise the point it was making quite a lot.
October 29, 2025
A book I will definitely be rereading for years to come. I love studying psychology and this expands it to a mass mindset in ways that make sense but can not truly all be taken in and studied in just one reading. I look forward to other psychological and societal books by Paud Daniel.
November 25, 2025
A free book from Voracious Readers
A well written piece about human behaviour. While some valid points are made there is the feeling that the information that is presented should be ratified with examples.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
A well written piece about human behaviour. While some valid points are made there is the feeling that the information that is presented should be ratified with examples.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
June 19, 2025
Very good and definitely insightful
July 18, 2025
I received this book through VRO. It has interesting information but is pretty redundant. I appreciated the tips and tricks to assess ourselves and others and how to "fix" ourselves.
July 24, 2025
I was given this book by author in exchange for a review. I did not finish book.
October 12, 2025
I think this book was absolutely wonderful in addressing the issues of self-deception and its impact on society as a whole. It was well thought-out, highly informative, and easy to understand - perfect for people ranging from 12-80 years old. The only problems I had with this book was the repetition of certain phrases that became quite tedious to read, the engagement and manipulation of wording was very lacklustre and occasionally, the thesis and main ideology behind the 'dream-world' where there was extremely limited self-deception was inconsistent and changing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews