The more emotional the belief, the less likely it’s true

Some beliefs are basically facts, but without absolute proof. Tomatoes are a vegetable. Tonight’s movie starts at 7:00. Then my friend shows me proof that tomatoes are a fruit and the movie starts at 8:00. Cool! I’m glad to be corrected.

Some beliefs make people really emotional. Think of one of your particularly strong beliefs. If someone showed you absolute proof that your belief is wrong, would you be glad to be corrected? Would you instantly change your mind? Why not? Maybe you see that belief as a part of who you are? Would changing it change your public persona? Your self-identity?

Some people, when challenged on their beliefs, get all upset and scream, “But I believe this deeply in my heart of hearts!”

Wow, look at all that emotion! It must actually be true! Yeah, right. As if the amount of emotion measures the truth of the belief. Maybe it measures the opposite. If it was absolutely objectively true, there would be no need to get upset. You could just point to the conclusive proof. That’s that.

Instead, you might be using that word “believe” to mean “my identity depends on this”. Especially if you feel the need to tell everyone your beliefs.