Some philosophers had particular insight into belief, like philosopher David Hume. His ideas on belief and philosophy resonate nicely with modern psychology. To change belief, he argued, we need to understand how Reason, Emotions, Will and Sympathy with other people work to sustain belief. Modern research shows he was onto something.
Beliefs are the brain’s self-made “maps” to quickly negotiate an environment or a new person. The brain is quick to form beliefs. Take meeting someone new. The brain quickly wants to know Friend or foe? Killer or healer? Useful or annoying? Easy-going or uptight? To help navigate (handle) the new person, it subjectively forms “first impressions” based on existing beliefs, previous experiences, and emotions. This first impression won’t be accurate or objective, but it’ll be fast and useful. Here’s how the brain uses the three Beliefs-Types:
Read MoreWelcome to the world of your opinions.
We’re all entitled to our own opinions.
Nobody is entitled to their own facts.
We can hold opinions regarding ideas (political, artistic, social, popular and more) and other people and we can also hold opinions regarding ourselves. But…they are all subjective and may be far removed from reality.
Read MoreWe live in an age that questions objective truth, and even in science, statements may be believed or not. In belief in science, things are accepted as facts if they are true by definition, supported by strong evidence or enough scientists are satisfied that they reflect reality:
5 + 5 = 10.
King Henry VIII reigned as monarch from 1509 to 1547.
Still. Can we ever be 100% certain?
Read MoreUnderstanding how belief works in the brain is a relatively new area. What are beliefs? Knowing and questioning your beliefs is good for you; it’s part of preventative mental health. Many people have problem beliefs, particularly about themselves:
I’m no good
I’ll never get anywhere
I’m a bad person who deserves to go to hell.
Based on science, we can change belief, What are beliefs?
Read MoreGetting a good DOSE of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins can help your brain and your contentment. Rather than use dopamine as a quick fix, try these activities to get a good dose of oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins !
Read MoreYou can’t see it, but you experience it every day: your amazing mind. Humans have always pondered what it could be. Then, in 1997, Steven Pinker published How the Mind Works, but, oops, soon after, cognitive scientist Jerry Fodor published The Mind Doesn’t Work That Way. If experts can’t agree and make up their minds, how are we supposed to know?
Read MoreWe’ve learned a lot about brain chemicals these last few decades. Your brain can feel naturally great if you can optimize your DOSE of these: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphin.
Here’s how.
Read MoreMy aim here is deceptively simple: to let you know how amazing your brain is, and to inspire you to take care of it. Your brain is one of a kind; an unfathomable universe. When people talk about alternative realities, someone will say maybe we’re all just brains in a giant vat, all connected up. It’s never maybe we’re all just hearts connected up; or maybe we’re all just twisted intestines.
Care for your amazing brain in 5 easy ways: AEIOU.
Read MoreBrain chemicals are manipulated by things that are addictive. That’s why anyone with a brain can get addicted. Amphetamines, for example, get the brain to release a heap of chemicals; particularly the pleasure-chemical dopamine. Dopamine hits feel fantastic. But drugs cheat your brain of real pleasure connected to purpose.
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