It's easy to understand why people would want to avoid it.  I tell myself that reality is there regardless, you might as well open your eyes to it.  But given the nature of the delusion, how would I know if I was living by that maxim?

elvismercury

mostly_harmless

Knowing what you don't know

It is very hard for people to accept their diminished state. I think they see it as giving up. I am currently dealing with this issue with my dad but more on the physical side of things than on the mental side you speak of. He refuses to give up the outdoor chores he always handled like mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges etc. We only live 7 minutes away so I told him I am happy to come over and do this stuff, and he can hang out with the kids. He still refuses. If he knows we are coming for a visit, he will complete the chores before we arrive. 

Stubborn maybe. In denial maybe. More likely he doesn't want to feel useless. 