Understanding Closely Held Beliefs: Personal vs. Social Narratives

How often do we find ourselves questioning the origin of our deeply held beliefs? Are they intuitive realizations blossoming from within, or are they products of contemporary social narratives shaping our perceptions? This article aims to explore the nuances between these two types of beliefs, and provide guidance on how to discern between them.

The Mechanisms of Closely Held Beliefs

At what age do we begin to form the foundation of our beliefs? For most of us, the memories that contribute significantly to our worldviews are often lost in the haze of early years, predominantly before the age of four. As a result, many of the beliefs we hold may not be rooted in personal experience, but rather in the constructs and narratives prevalent in our society.

The Impact of Realities on Choices

Several life realities can constrain our choices. For instance, female fertility typically declines in the 20s, making it a critical factor. Additionally, low-paying jobs often do not provide health care, while higher-paying positions may not align with one's passion. Saving for college and retirement can be daunting, and even if the number 99 represents a full set, it often means that high rewards come with high risks, suggesting a balance that needs to be carefully considered.

Introspection and Life Goals

Regardless of the constraints, one’s best bet lies in making informed choices. To do so, it is crucial to understand that many options exist and that dilemmas and trade-offs may or may not be real. Introspection on one's priorities and passions is essential, as is developing a clear idea of one's ideal life plan or goals. Reflect on what you would be upset about not experiencing or accomplishing in life.

Responsibility in Belief Formation

Responsibility in belief formation is paramount. The knowledge we possess is inherently imperfect, and we must be vigilant and honest with ourselves about the sources of our beliefs. Are they based on personal experience, social scripts, or a combination of both? Understanding the depth of a belief is crucial; it is often a function of the amount of experience or wisdom upon which it is built and the degree of certainty it carries. Some may believe absolutely in something with no evidence, while others may be skeptical of a belief supported by significant evidence.

Personal and Social Influences

The origin of a belief can be both personal and social. A belief can be deduced from personal experience and then recognized in a social script, or vice versa. A social script can either validate or challenge a personal belief, and personal experience can do the same to a script belief. The depth of a belief is a complex interplay between experience and wisdom, and the capacity for doubt.

Evolution of Personal Beliefs

Moving from a first-person perspective to a third-person one, the definition of a belief can shift. The process of understanding and acting on a belief may be internal or external, yet these actions and circumstances can be observed and shared. Intuition can be seen as an expression of specific traits under specific conditions, and terms like epiphany and revelation can also play a role. In some cases, the explanation may lie in epigenetics, where past experiences can impact multiple individuals.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the essence of a belief is not its origin but whether it brings harmony or conflict within us. The differentiation between a personal and social belief is not always clear, and both can shape our lives. Keeping an open and introspective mind, and being aware of the imperfections in our knowledge, are key to living a balanced and fulfilling life.