We Don't Know How Little We Know
Psychology Today
by Irene Hurford MDFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In a thought-provoking article by a seasoned psychiatrist, the author reflects on how treating individuals with psychosis has illuminated the subjective nature of reality. Drawing from over two decades of experience, they explain that while an objective reality exists, our perception of it is shaped by our senses and brain processing, resulting in what the author calls "consensual reality." This shared understanding is what allows most people to agree on basic facts, like the color of the sky. However, when this consensual agreement breaks down—whether due to psychosis or political polarization—the consequences can be profound.
The article highlights how individuals with psychosis often experience their own unique realities, which can feel as real to them as our shared world feels to us. For example, a Haitian patient believed her aunt had placed a Voodoo curse on her. Initially dismissed as a delusion, the psychiatrist was surprised when the patient’s family corroborated parts of her belief system, creating a consensual reality distinct from the psychiatrist’s own frame of reference. This insight extends to broader societal trends, where Americans are increasingly divided into opposing consensual realities. One group may view an event as a leftist terrorist attack on ICE agents, while another sees it as a non-violent protestor defending a woman against ICE aggression. Both narratives are rooted in the same event but interpreted through different lenses of belief and emotion.
The author ties these observations to the emotional and neurological underpinnings of belief formation. When new information is paired with heightened emotions or sensory experiences, it becomes deeply ingrained in memory—much like stepping on a snake and never forgetting the experience. This process explains how individuals with psychosis develop delusional thoughts that are resistant to change. Similarly, in today’s politically charged climate, emotionally driven narratives are reinforced by amygdala activation, making them difficult to dislodge or reason away. The article underscores how both personal and societal belief systems are shaped not just by logic but by the emotional intensity of experiences.
For readers interested in mental health, this article offers valuable insights into the nature of belief formation and its implications for treatment. Understanding that reality is subjective can help bridge gaps between patients and caregivers, fostering more empathetic approaches to care. On a societal level, recognizing the role of emotion in shaping beliefs could encourage greater understanding in divided communities, promoting dialogue over dismissive rhetoric.
Ultimately, the article challenges us to consider how deeply rooted emotional experiences influence our perceptions of reality—whether in individual cases of psychosis or in broader societal
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/20/2026