The lies the government and media tell are amplifications of the lies we tell ourselves. To stop being conned, stop conning yourself.

The quote by James Wolcott suggests that the lies perpetuated by the government and media are often an extension of the self-deception that individuals engage in. Wolcott argues that people are easily manipulated by external forces when they first deceive themselves, and these internal false beliefs set the stage for accepting the distortions presented by institutions. He implies that to stop being misled or conned, individuals must first confront their own internal biases and false narratives, rejecting self-deception as the root cause of broader societal manipulation.

Wolcott, a critic and journalist, is known for his sharp commentary on the relationship between the media and public perception. In this quote, he critiques how propaganda and misinformation from government bodies and the media often resonate with what people want to believe, rather than objective truth. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking in an age where information is often shaped by various political or economic interests, urging individuals to recognize their role in perpetuating these falsehoods.

The origin of this quote comes from Wolcott’s broader observations about the complicity of individuals in the spread of misinformation. As a writer and commentator, he often explored the dynamics of how people consume information, especially in an era dominated by media influence. His words serve as a critique of both media sensationalism and the government's role in distorting truth, but also a self-reflection on how personal biases contribute to the larger issue of misinformation.

In a broader context, Wolcott’s quote speaks to the need for individual accountability in the information age. By acknowledging that self-deception is a key factor in how people accept external lies, the quote calls for personal integrity and a commitment to seeking the truth. It also highlights the interconnectedness of personal belief systems with the broader narratives constructed by powerful institutions, urging society to become more discerning and less vulnerable to manipulation.