In a world inundated with noise, distractions, and ever-shifting narratives, it becomes all too easy to overlook what should be plain and obvious. That is precisely the terrain explored in Blind to the Blatantly Obvious by Ron Patterson. With this book, Patterson invites readers on a journey to pierce through the illusions, biases, and collective blind spots that keep so many of us from seeing what is right in front of us.
The Premise
At its core, Blind to the Blatantly Obvious bookis about awareness — not just in the sense of noticing things, but in unlearning the comfortable lies and self-serving narratives that mask deeper truths. As the author’s website outlines, “with sharp insights and fearless honesty, Ron unmasks the patterns and influences that most of us choose to ignore.”
In essence: the book contends that many “obvious” truths are ignored simply because acknowledging them would upset comfortable beliefs or destabilize accepted worldviews. Patterson challenges readers to examine what they think they know and ask: Why do we refuse to see what is plainly there?
Style and Approach
The book has been described as part memoir, part critical thinking provocation. On Amazon, Blind to the Blatantly Obvious is framed as “mixing memoir with reasoned argument and fearless critique.”
Patterson’s approach is less about presenting neat formulas or simplistic “self-help” fixes, and more about providing a lens through which readers can look at the world differently. The aim is to awaken the capacity to see — not to spoon-feed solutions, but to provoke questions. As the homepage for the book states: “Break through illusions society feeds us. Confront uncomfortable truths with courage. Find clarity and meaning in a confusing, noisy world.”
Key Themes
Several recurring themes in Blind to the Blatantly Obvious stand out:
- Collective blind spots: The idea that entire societies, groups, or cultures can miss truths that are “obvious” once pointed out. The book invites reflection on how group-thinking, social incentives, and institutional structures can keep us from seeing what we should.
- Personal complacency: On an individual level, Patterson argues that comfort, convenience, and fear of disruption lead people to ignore what they should question. The “obvious” remains unchallenged because acknowledging it might require change or discomfort.
- The power of obvious truths: The book suggests that some truths are so clear that it’s astonishing how widely they go unrecognized or unacknowledged. Part of the challenge is simply the unwillingness to face them. For example, the Amazon description of the Kindle edition puts it plainly: “Some truths are so self-evident, it’s baffling that so many people refuse to see them.”
- Awareness as action: Seeing the obvious isn’t enough; the book implies that once you see, you must act (in whatever way is relevant). The real value lies in disrupting your previous patterns of thought and perhaps behavior.
Why This Book Matters
In an era of information overload, echo chambers, and rapid-fire media cycles, Blind to the Blatantly Obvious offers a timely invitation: to slow down, reflect, and uncover what we’ve been letting slip past because it seemed too uncomfortable to face.
Often the biggest obstacles to clarity aren’t lack of information, but refusal to look at what’s right before us. Patterson’s work reminds us that acknowledging the obvious can be provocative, unsettling, but ultimately liberating.
For people who feel “something just doesn’t add up” in their life or in the larger culture, the book serves as a wake-up call. On his website, Patterson describes himself as “a truth-seeker, a questioner, and a critical observer of the world around us.” That orientation infuses the book and makes it a compelling read for those willing to question rather than simply accept.
Strengths & Considerations
Some of the strengths of Blind to the Blatantly Obvious include:
- Thought-provoking questions: Rather than giving pat answers, the book stimulates reflection — which is often the first step toward meaningful change.
- Accessible style: The blend of personal insight and critique makes the subject matter engaging and relatable.
- Relevance: For readers who sense dissonance between what’s widely accepted and what seems true, Patterson offers a framework to explore that dissonance.
That said, some considerations:
- Because the book is oriented more toward awareness and reflection than step-by-step solutions, readers looking for a “how-to” manual might find it less satisfying.
- The challenge of confronting the “obvious” is inherently uncomfortable; turning insight into action is left largely to the reader.
- As with any work that critiques belief systems and social norms, some may disagree with Patterson’s conclusions or interpretations.
For Whom is the Book?
If you’re someone who:
- Has ever felt that there are patterns around you that others ignore;
- Wants to question assumptions (personal or societal) rather than simply accept them;
- Enjoys books that spark reflection and raise awareness;
Then Blind to the Blatantly Obvious by Ron Patterson is likely a good fit. It appeals to readers who prefer substance over fluff, who are willing to sit with discomfort in order to uncover clarity.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a prescriptive self-help book filled with bullet-pointed tactics and guaranteed outcomes, this may not be that book. The value lies more in the journey of seeing than in a fixed end result.
Final Thoughts
In sum, Blind to the Blatantly Obvious offers a compelling invitation: to stop ignoring what we might already know and to begin seeing what we might have chosen not to. Ron Patterson’s call to awareness is timely and provocative, urging us to examine the obvious, confront the uncomfortable, and act with clarity.
For anyone ready to pick up the book, the takeaway is this: what we fail to see often has less to do with lack of information and more to do with unwillingness to observe. As Patterson suggests, the path to clarity often begins when we acknowledge that the obvious has been hidden — either by others or by ourselves. Once that acknowledgment happens, the possibility of change unfolds.