147. Delusional Beliefs

Everyone holds a multitude of different beliefs. Some of these beliefs pertain to simple facts about the world, while others are more complex or even theoretical.

In the ordinary course of life, I will almost certainly discover that one of my beliefs is false. Realizing this, I should discard the false belief, and replace it with a different belief that is more true. But sometimes this doesn’t happen.

Sometimes the false belief is lodged too deeply inside me for it to be quickly evicted. I’ve somehow formed an attachment to this belief. I see it as part of me, and I cannot discard it because that would mean discarding myself. I know the belief is false, but it still influences my choices and actions. It does so in exactly the same way as a superstition might influence me even though I already know it’s fantastical.

When this happens, I’m caught in a delusion. I understand rationally that my belief should be given no weight, but I’m so attached to it that I’m unable to ignore it. When others learn of my struggle, they might try to help me by offering additional reasons to undermine the false belief. They might also try to supply me with alternatives that could replace it. In doing these things, they are trying to help me distance myself from the belief I identify with.

To identify with any belief — even a true one — can be dangerous because it means elevating my own subjective judgment above reality itself, which can easily occlude my awareness. Loosening myself from all of my beliefs is necessary to be fully open and attentive to all of my experiences.

By carefully investigating the beliefs I hold and their connection to suffering, I can come to see them as contingent objects and not as necessary parts of me. With adequate distance from my beliefs, I gain the opportunity to develop a more comprehensive awareness of myself and the world.