One of the most counterintuitive truths about prisoner's dilemma: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Prisoner's Dilemma Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of prisoner's dilemma
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking prisoner's dilemma is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging prisoner's dilemma without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing prisoner's dilemma to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for prisoner's dilemma while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Prisoner's Dilemma
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting prisoner's dilemma, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Prisoner's Dilemma
Many people find that when they stop fighting prisoner's dilemma and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of prisoner's dilemma is partly the struggle against it.