Why Cognitive Dissonance is a Crutch—and How to Walk Free

From the moment we’re born, we’re handed a script. It tells us what to believe, how to act, and what to accept as “normal.” Poverty exists—it’s inevitable. Wars happen—they’re necessary. Eating animals is natural—it’s just the way of life. These scripts aren’t written by us, but we’re tasked with living them out, often without questioning their validity. And when cracks begin to form in this narrative—when we notice the disparity between what we believe and what we do—cognitive dissonance steps in like a trusted crutch, helping us limp through the discomfort.

But what if that crutch isn’t helping us heal? What if, instead, it’s keeping us stuck in patterns that harm us, our environment, and the very values we claim to hold dear?

Cognitive dissonance thrives in the gap between what we know and what we’re willing to confront. It allows us to rationalize the suffering of others, ignore the damage we’re doing to the planet, and continue habits that may be harming our own health. It whispers, “It’s too hard to change,” even as evidence mounts that change is not only possible but essential.

The question is: how long can we lean on this crutch before it starts to weigh us down? And more importantly, what would it look like to walk free?

In this exploration, we’ll dig into the societal programming that teaches us to accept so much harm as inevitable, from the systemic inequalities we endure to the ethical blind spots in our everyday choices—like raising animals for food. Along the way, we’ll explore other areas where dissonance keeps us stuck, from climate change to personal health habits.

Because the truth is: we’re not born with these blinders. We’re taught to wear them. And with the right tools, we can begin to take them off.

The Crutch We All Lean On

Society equips us with cognitive dissonance as a way to navigate the contradictions of modern life. It’s the mechanism that helps us reconcile actions and beliefs that don’t align—whether that’s supporting industries that harm the planet or choosing convenience over values.

Think about it: we know climate change is a crisis, yet we rely on gas-powered cars and single-use plastics because alternatives feel too expensive or inconvenient. We care about fair wages, but many of us still buy fast fashion without thinking about who made our clothes. The gap between what we value and how we act feels too wide to bridge, so we tell ourselves stories to make it okay.

Our culture rewards this dissonance, offering justification after justification to keep the status quo intact. Take animal agriculture: we’re told it’s necessary for survival, that it’s a vital part of human history, and that its environmental and health costs are negligible. These stories aren’t just false—they’re harmful.

But the comfort of these narratives makes them easy to hold onto. It’s simpler to believe what we’ve always been told than to ask hard questions about our impact, our health, or our values. Cognitive dissonance isn’t just a crutch—it’s the scaffolding propping up a system that thrives on our unwillingness to see clearly.

The Harmful Weight of the Crutch

The longer we rely on cognitive dissonance, the more damage it does—to ourselves, to others, and to the world we share.

Personal Harm: Ignoring dissonance takes a toll on our physical and mental health. For example:

• We continue to consume ultra-processed foods even though they leave us feeling sluggish and unhealthy.

• We ignore the ethical discomfort of buying goods produced by exploited workers because the alternative feels too hard.

  
  

When we suppress the ethical or health concerns behind our choices, we create internal conflict that can manifest as stress, guilt, or even apathy.

Collective Harm: On a societal level, cognitive dissonance keeps us complicit in systems that harm the planet and its inhabitants.

• Environmental destruction: We know deforestation and pollution are major problems, yet we contribute to them by overconsuming resources like meat, plastic, and fossil fuels.

• Animal agriculture: This is one of the most glaring examples. It drives deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Billions of animals suffer unnecessarily, their lives reduced to commodities, while we tell ourselves it’s "humane" or "natural."

  
  

This isn’t just about food—it’s about the broader systems we support through inaction. When we accept harm as inevitable, we deny ourselves the possibility of building something better.

Why It’s So Hard to Let Go

Letting go of the crutch is no small task. Cognitive dissonance thrives on fear, comfort, and deeply ingrained habits.

Fear of Discomfort: Confronting dissonance means questioning beliefs we’ve held for a lifetime. It’s uncomfortable, and many resist because it feels like losing a part of themselves.

Cultural Identity: Food is deeply tied to tradition, family, and identity. Questioning the role of animal products—or any convenience we’ve grown up with—can feel like rejecting cultural heritage or alienating loved ones.

Convenience vs. Conscience: The current system makes it easy to choose dissonance over change. For example:

• It's faster and cheaper to grab a drive-thru meal than prepare a plant-based dish.

• Reusable products or sustainable alternatives often feel out of reach.

  
  

The Echo Chamber Effect: Surrounding ourselves with like-minded voices—whether that’s family, friends, or media—reinforces dissonant beliefs. Breaking out of these bubbles requires courage and intentionality.

Walking Free—Steps Toward Liberation

Breaking free of cognitive dissonance isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Here are some steps to begin the journey:

1. Awareness: Start by identifying areas where your actions and beliefs don’t align. Reflect on why those gaps exist and what’s preventing you from addressing them.

2. Education: Equip yourself with knowledge. Learn about the ethical, environmental, and health impacts of animal agriculture, climate change, and other systems. Resources like books, documentaries, and articles can be eye-opening.

3. Small, Consistent Actions: Begin with manageable changes, like:

   • Reducing plastic use with reusable alternatives.

   • Incorporating plant-based meals into your week.

   • Supporting local businesses and ethical brands.

4. Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this process. Change is challenging, and self-compassion can help you stay the course.

5. Reimagine Traditions: Find ways to honor your cultural or familial connections without compromising your values. This might mean creating new traditions that align with your evolving beliefs.

   
   

A Freer World Starts With Us

The crutch of cognitive dissonance may feel like a necessity, but it’s holding us back from a healthier, more intentional way of living. By letting go of the stories that no longer serve us, we open the door to transformation—not just for ourselves but for the world around us.

Imagine a life where your actions align with your values, where you contribute to systems that uplift rather than harm, and where you’re free to see the world—and yourself—clearly.

The challenge is real, but so is the opportunity. If we’ve spent this much time justifying harm, can we spend a little more time questioning it? What would you see—and who could you be—if you let go of the crutch today?