Lately I have been wondering about missing elements in my concept of the 7 Belief systems. The core is Knowledge and the extremes are Belief systems but what layers are in between?? In other words, how do you move from sanity to insanity?
In this process of ‘mind searching’, the word arrogance suddenly came to my mind. At first, it was hard fitting arrogance in. Then I recalled the expression “the arrogance of power” and I realised I was on the right track. Arrogance is indeed a layer between Knowledge and extreme Beliefs. Remarkably, the reason is surprisingly simple as arrogance is ultimately a belief that you know better.
Arrogance and Ignorance are related concepts as they both involve closed minded people (eg, Psychology Today). One is closed minded towards facts and the other towards beliefs.
At a first glance, Arrogance is often confused with Confidence when meeting new people. The same applies to new facts. Open minded people will gain Knowledge while closed minded people will remain Ignorant.
Consequently, the core of the 7 Belief systems is open mindedness represented by knowledge and confidence. The next layer is closed mindedness, represented by ignorance (facts) and arrogance (beliefs). The final layer is extreme closed mindedness, represented by the absolute truth (“facts”) and extreme beliefs, a.k.a. the 7 Belief systems. A diagram would represent this as follows:
Controlling knowledge is essential for many people. The solutions may vary a lot. Some may opt to restrict access to knowledge while others may opt for “freedom of information”. Unfortunately, latter is more and more an illusion as facts have become disguised opinions. Please see my 31 March 2016 blog – Why are opinions stronger than facts?
If anything, my diagrams show the vital importance of education. Beliefs are developed through education, upbringing, and our social environment (see my blogs of 1 March and 3 April 2016). Education is one of the few tools that can mitigate the development of extreme beliefs.
Stevie Wonder – Superstition (1972) – artist, lyrics, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
When you believe in things that you don’t understand
Then you suffer
Superstition ain’t the way
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