Principlev1
When you notice yourself using necessity language ('I have
When you notice yourself using necessity language ('I have to,' 'I cannot,' 'there's no choice') about contingent situations, pause and ask what it would mean to admit you are choosing — the discomfort this produces indicates the question has found its target.
Why This Is a Principle
This is a principle derived from Consciousness is inherently intentional — it is always (consciousness is intentional) and Cognitive Defusion: Thoughts Are Objects (thoughts can be separated from identity). It prescribes a specific detection practice for bad faith rather than describing the phenomenon itself. It tells you HOW to detect self-deception by watching for linguistic patterns that conceal freedom.