Jamie_L

All these thread about what belief X offers:

While intersting to note in terms of why people stick to certain beliefs, the underlying implication seems to be that people should believe based on the benefits to them. But this is silly.

We believe what appears, to us, to be true.

What does the belief that other countries have problems of oppressive governments offer me? Nothing really. If I believe all other countries are happy, with no oppression going on, it makes me feel much better. So should I believe that?

Likewise, might I feel much better if I believed the Holocaust never happened? Wouldin't it make me think people aren't as bad as they are?

Wow. I should just base all my beliefs on what makes me feel good. I would feel much better if I believed I could jump off a building and fly. I think I'll go put my new belief to the test.



Jamie

[ July 19, 2002: Message edited by: Jamie_L ]</p>

Denshuu

The voice of reason has spoken.

It was a pretty dumb idea from the beginning to make a topic based on what a certain belief (or lack of belief) offers, but it looks like those few topics will be racking up the majority of posts for a few more days, or until the major posters of those topics realize that belief usually exists irregardless of what one person wants to be true. Unless, of course, one suffers from selective delusions.
...Which, actually, seems to be the case with some posters here.
Nevermind.

GeoTheo

What does a belief in being able to fly offer?It's a good change of pace from always dreaming I went to school naked.

Samhain

Unnecessary strain on one's arms, particularly one's shoulders?

One of the last sane

Heavy landings and unnecessarily broken bones.