Beliefs Drive Arguments

We do not spend a great deal of time articulating our beliefs. If we did, the world would be a radically different place. Instead, our beliefs form our ideas and impressions without any conscious awareness. It is when these beliefs come into conflict with other people’s beliefs that they rise to consciousness. But they are not stated, even at this time. For example, when we are arguing with a friend over capital punishment, we do not state our belief that all human life is sacred, we give reasons why capital punishment is wrong. We do not realize that all of our thoughts, reasons and justifications are an echo of what we already believe is true.