Who's Really in Charge?

When discussing the events of 9/11, one might agree that "long before the terrorists hijacked those planes, their beliefs hijacked their minds." However, if I were to assert, "We are all influenced by our beliefs," you might react defensively, thinking, "Not me, I'm too smart for that," or perhaps you would consent without fully grasping the implications—that your beliefs govern your actions rather than your own volition.

It's as though we each possess dual identities: the "authentic" self and the beliefs that permeate our lives. We readily observe this phenomenon in others but often overlook it in ourselves. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe aptly stated, "The best slave is the one who thinks he is free."

Given that beliefs can be so powerful, could a fresh perspective on them help us tackle our challenges? What truly constitutes a belief? How do they infiltrate our minds, and why are some of the most illogical beliefs so resistant to change? The answers were discovered over four decades ago but remain underappreciated. Let's delve into the evidence, redefine our understanding, and challenge conventional wisdom.

The Influence of "The Selfish Gene"

In a 2017 poll by the Royal Society, The Selfish Gene was recognized as the most impactful science book ever. Many participants expressed how it transformed their worldview. To comprehend our own existence, we must also shift our perspectives.

How does a book about genes and evolution relate to our beliefs? The Selfish Gene offers numerous insights, but we'll focus on three key takeaways for now:

1. Natural selection operates on genes, not individuals or groups.
2. Genes act as replicators, with us serving as their carriers or hosts.
3. All replicators face selection pressures, leading to better-adapted successors.

In his work, Richard Dawkins introduces a novel concept he refers to as a "meme"—an idea, belief, or thought pattern that spreads through non-genetic means, akin to a mental virus. This definition diverges from the typical notion of internet memes, but if we concentrate on "belief," intriguing connections begin to emerge.

Understanding Memes, Ideas, and Beliefs

To differentiate between a meme, an idea, and a belief, it helps to envision a progression from one to the next. For instance, if I suggested, "I have an idea, go jump off that bridge," you would likely dismiss it. However, if I claimed, "My God commands you to jump off that bridge to demonstrate your faith," you might hesitate, and under certain circumstances, someone could indeed be persuaded to leap.

Once someone jumps, it is evident that the idea has been accepted as a belief. Finally, if that individual can persuade others to join them, the belief morphs into a meme, spreading exponentially.

Note: Cults often initiate with seemingly harmless suggestions to engage potential members, fostering a sense of belonging that activates the in-group/out-group dynamics.

The evolution from idea (the least potent) to meme (the most potent) is marked by two critical insights: (1) the veracity of the meme is irrelevant, and (2) the host is disposable. The sole concern is the meme's survival and dissemination, even at the expense of its host.

We, alone on Earth, can rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators. — Richard Dawkins

Selfish Replicators and Their Influence

To simplify, consider that both beliefs and memes function as replicators, often used interchangeably, yet they are not entirely identical. The interests of a belief may not align with those of its host. While all replicators strive to replicate, conflicts arise when their goals diverge.

Gene evolution occurs gradually across generations, while memes can proliferate at remarkable speed, both vertically and horizontally. Thanks to modern communication technologies, memes can spread almost instantaneously. Which replicator do you think holds the advantage?

Beliefs are mindless replicators that have evolved to dominate and replicate within minds. While it may seem peculiar to view ourselves as hosts for beliefs, this dynamic exists in nature where co-evolving parasites and hosts thrive. This interplay explains much of life’s complexity and diversity, as well as the size of our brains.

…we do know that parasitism is the most popular lifestyle on Earth. Most animal species are probably parasitic. — Kevin Lafferty

This parasitic co-evolution is a neutral process, neither inherently good nor bad. Understanding it offers a fresh perspective on human behavior. The difficulty many face in altering their beliefs may stem from the tricks beliefs employ to remain entrenched. Natural selection has crafted beliefs that excel at infiltrating and persisting in our minds, aiding in the comprehension of seemingly irrational behaviors.

For example, existing beliefs often resist new ideas that challenge them. When witnessing two individuals argue, we are observing a battle for survival—specifically, the survival of conflicting beliefs. Beliefs have developed mechanisms to trigger the brain's fight-or-flight response, causing these disputes to mirror physical confrontations.

A more extreme illustration is when a suicide bomber eliminates themselves from the gene pool; the belief benefits at the host's expense.

How does the belief benefit?

1. By drawing attention in a dramatic and memorable way.
2. By prompting others to explore the belief, facilitating its spread.
3. By strengthening the belief among those already influenced.

From the perspective of beliefs or memes, the loss of a few individual hosts is a small price to pay for propagation. Memes overshadow genes.

On the brighter side, without memes, we would lack language, culture, science, and the capacity for complex thought. This illustrates the power of co-evolution, distinguishing us from other animal species. Animals possess instincts; we possess both instincts and beliefs.

With most individuals, disbelief in one concept often stems from a blind faith in another. — Georg C. Lichtenberg

Our Most Valued Convictions

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." — Evelyn Beatrice Hall (Summarizing Voltaire's beliefs)

Reflect on this quote and its implications. Would you genuinely sacrifice your life for another's beliefs, especially if those beliefs were demonstrably false?

You might argue that it's the principle of free speech that holds greater significance than your life. While free speech is a commendable cause for which many have fought, it's vital to remember that it is itself a belief. Why do we regard it so highly?

Because it implies, "I will respect your beliefs if you respect mine." This notion may be respectful and politically correct, yet is it truly rational?

In an era rife with conspiracy theories, "alternative facts," and "fake news," these are merely methods to uphold irrational beliefs. The next time you observe intelligent individuals acting irrationally, consider the beliefs they must be clinging to. Suddenly, their behavior seems less irrational; they are simply defending their beliefs, or more accurately, their beliefs are defending themselves.

We often prioritize protecting others' beliefs over confronting the truth—until they cease to reciprocate. At some level, we recognize that our beliefs define our identities.

Attacking someone's beliefs can feel like a personal assault. This reflects the immense power beliefs wield over us.

The Final Thoughts

Viewing the world through the lens of parasitic beliefs reveals how they shape our identities by manipulating our minds for their own advantage, often at odds with our true interests. In defending our beliefs, we feel as though we are protecting ourselves. It is no coincidence that we experience a fight-or-flight response when safeguarding our beliefs, just as we would when defending our physical selves.

Many struggle to change their beliefs because, once established, they enter survival mode and resist departure. Recognizing this dynamic should foster greater tolerance toward others and caution regarding the beliefs we entertain.

We bear a moral responsibility to ensure that our beliefs align with reality. Failure to do so risks repeating past atrocities in service of false convictions.

Thus, yes—a simple idea can indeed change the world.

Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come. — Victor Hugo