Hooked

     Bait on the hook causes a fish to bite into something then get trapped even unto death.  This physical bait, a real piece of protein or a plastic replica, lures the fish to grab onto something that has an underlying danger.  The hope of satisfying hunger is dashed.  A fish doesn't have the ability to recognize the hook.  Good for the fisherman; bad for the fish.
     Our basic needs must be satisfied, but often we latch onto bait and get trapped into false promises.  If we don't learn to recognize reality, we get hooked on dangerous thinking.  Bait comes in different forms, usually promising to satisfy needs or creating needs that don't really exist.  Advertising for products and services, propaganda to form opinions, campaigns for politicians, and emotional pressure from family, friends, and religion, all use bait to get us to believe a certain way.  When we believe the bait satisfies our needs, we may ignore reality and buy into something that is a waste of time and money. We may get hooked.
     Getting unhooked is very difficult.  We may have to evaluate preconceived notions, set aside prejudices, form new opinions, and redesign our behavior.  We do have the ability to recognize the hook.  Good for everybody.