"The art of living is the art of knowing how to believe lies"

Cesare Pavese’s observation presents a provocative view of the human condition, suggesting that much of what allows us to navigate life gracefully is our capacity for self-deception or, at the very least, the willingness to accept comforting fictions. Life, filled with ambiguities, uncertainties, and often painful realities, sometimes requires a layer of protective belief, a willingness to trust narratives that may not entirely correspond to objective truths. Whether these are cultural myths, personal hopes, social conventions, or the everyday reassurances we grant ourselves, believing such “lies” can serve as a foundation for emotional stability and continuity.

The act of “knowing how to believe lies” is therefore less about gullibility and more about conscious, pragmatic acquiescence. For example, we accept social niceties, participate in rituals, and act as if certain ideals, such as justice always prevailing or love being eternally lasting, are absolutes, though life often proves otherwise. This selective credulity allows individuals to sustain hope, persist in the face of adversity, and find meaning even where facts alone may foster despair. In many ways, these “lies” lubricate the machinery of society and inner life, fostering resilience and empathy.

Furthermore, self-narratives and memories are often edited and retold in ways that soothe rather than strictly recount events as they were. This isn’t necessarily a form of dishonesty, but rather a coping strategy, a way to find coherence and bearability in the chaos of existence. The art, then, lies in discerning which fictions enable growth and solace, versus those that are destructive or escapist.

Pavese’s statement asks us to reflect on the balance between illusion and reality, acknowledging that, sometimes, accepting certain myths is as necessary to living well as the pursuit of truth. The wisdom lies in the knowledge and the conscious choice, not blind faith.