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I was just thinking about something along these lines today.
I was looking back on my life and thinking about all the things I used to believe. Everything from heavy Christian faith to New-Age metaphysics to agnosticism and secularism, from liberal-libertarian to conservative middle-of-the-road, from positivism to cynicism. I've run a large gamut of beliefs in several areas.
But the thing that struck me today was that, at each and every stage of my belief systems, I was absolutely convinced that I was right, that what I believed was pretty much the truth. It always seemed crystal clear to me, and I wondered why others couldn't see it. Then my experiences would lead me into a new way of looking at things, and I just considered my previous beliefs to be naive.
So what struck me most today was that, if my beliefs have been so changeable, why do I trust them so much? For some reason I was always able to change beliefs without changing my trust in what I believed in, and that seemed strange. So now I wonder, how can I trust the beliefs I have now? Indeed, how can I trust any point-of-view I may have in the future? And how can I find any trust in others' beliefs as well? Are they not just as fallable as me? I seem to have not so much lost faith in what I believe, rather, I've lost faith in belief itself.
There is one strong foundation, the scientific method, which only accepts solid observation, and more and more I see value in putting my trust in it only. All my questing seems to have inevitably drawn me to it.
But there are other things like political beliefs that don't fall into the scientific mold, and to those I have no answer. I guess I will just have to float with the tide on those and hope that my course leads me to a better understanding and balance with the world. At least, with my lack of complete faith in my own beliefs, I will probably not be susceptible to extremism/fanatacism.
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David Hall:
Good post! I have been different. I have always quietly mistrusted everything until I could confirm each of the notions in some rather basic way. Because my parents goofed, I never believed in Santa Claus or any of the other silly things parents foist upon their children. I relished the thought on my part to see through their schemes. I find religion can be dangerous when there is fanaticism. I avoid religious discussions of all kinds. If I were asked, I would always state that I believe whatever exists, exists, and if my belief is the same as the beliefs of theirs, then we can agree. Then I always change the subject. Getting into religious arguments is beyond the pale. I have many religious friends. I have no reason to desire to challenge their faiths, nor do they, mine.
I have ALWAYS remained a skeptic and it has held me in good stead. Skepticism is part of the scientific method of accomplishing anything.
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