"The first step to believing something is true is wanting to believe it is true... or being afraid it is"
About this Quote
Terry Goodkind's quote, "The primary step to believing something holds true is wishing to think it holds true ... or hesitating it is", suggests a deep and complicated relationship between belief, desire, and worry. At its core, this statement highlights the mental processes that can influence our perceptions of reality.
The first part of the quote, "The initial step to believing something holds true is wishing to think it holds true", discuss the idea of confirmation bias. This is the propensity for people to prefer info or interpretations that align with their pre-existing beliefs, hopes, or desires. When somebody wants a certain result or belief to be real, they are more prone to seek out evidence that validates this belief and to dismiss or justify away proof that opposes it. This can arise in numerous contexts, from personal relationships to political ideologies, showing how our desires can cloud our judgment and shape our perceptions of truth.
The latter half, "... or being afraid it is", presents the role of worry in shaping beliefs. Worry can be an effective motivator, often compelling people to accept a belief not due to the fact that they wish it held true, but because they dread the consequences of it holding true. This fear can manifest as a defensive system, leading people to prepare for perceived hazards or unwanted possibilities. In many cases, fear-driven beliefs might stimulate individuals into action, while in others, they might trigger paralysis or rejection.
In general, Goodkind's quote underscores the idea that belief is not constantly a logical process grounded simply in evidence or reasoning. Instead, it can be heavily affected by psychological desires and worries. Acknowledging this interplay can encourage introspection about our own beliefs and inspire us to critically examine whether they are formed more by our emotional dispositions than by unbiased truth. By acknowledging these influences, people may strive for a more well balanced and open-minded technique to understanding the world around them.
