Do you ever catch yourself making excuses to hold on to a belief instead of rationally examining evidence presented?

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:42:31 -0400

The problem with ideological commitment is that it looks like we become so invested in them that we simply cannot process evidence to the contrary and will often become more fanatical in our defense of our position. This is categorically not limited to any political side.

I've caught myself doing this more than once and have had to force myself to carefully consider what I'm seeing instead of dismissing it as BS, propaganda or worse. At times, I've caught myself entrenching into a spot I'm increasingly recognizing as wrong and it's only by that constant demand of neutral consideration on myself that I don't end up lost in crazy land.

How about you?

How facts backfire

Researchers discover a surprising threat to democracy: our brains

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made May 19 at 2015 2:46 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:46:02 -0400

I think we all do this, especially in our younger years. We are generally more insecure and still seeking after ourselves. Some grow out of it, some don't.

I think there needs to be a balance in sticking to our guns and not letting others dictate what we should believe, but at the same time understand that learning can strengthen our beliefs. If we believed the earth is flat and learn it isn't, move on!

That is the only way we can grow and advance!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 19 at 2015 2:47 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:47:19 -0400

Yes, I have, I fight it. Rationality is necessary.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 19 at 2015 2:56 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:56:44 -0400

I often ponder over my religious beliefs. Do I believe because it's what my parents told me to or should I seek out more? When I do question and search for answers, I'm not sure I can like the answers or be comfortable with the results. I find science explains too much of what faith alone can not and that can get scary.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 19 at 2015 2:56 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 19 May 2015 14:56:26 -0400

I try to look at everything objectively, even when I agree with the belief. I feel we were given brains to use.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 19 at 2015 3:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:08:54 -0400

I am at fault for this. Right now I believe the Center of Gravities for ISIS are their ideology, funding, and numbers. I could be wrong or I could be right.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 7:13 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 19:13:55 -0400

I think every human in the world is guilty of this.
I also feel that it's gotten worse as the sheer amount of information/data available is now physically impossible to process and evaluate in its entirety. The main purveyors of information are talking heads on MSNBC and Fox, radio talk show hosts, and Wikipedia/internet news sites ( that can be created/edited by anybody). The first two shouldn't call themselves news channels, if I ran a restaurant that periodically announced stock values no one would call me a financial advisor. Radio is like niche pornography, a lot of people do it, but the person who admits to it is going to get some strange looks.
So that leaves the internet and personal development/growth. God help humanity

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 8:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 20:12:15 -0400

Fortunately, I research everything incessantly. I drive My friends and family insane with it.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made May 20 at 2015 11:05 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Wed, 20 May 2015 23:05:04 -0400

Nope....just called faith....

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 2 at 2015 4:45 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:45:22 -0400

This used to be a problem that I had to endure. I am a work in progress meaning if it doesn't pass the gut test I look for evidence, use optimism or take other perspectives to help with my decision or idea.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 2 at 2016 7:26 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 19:26:29 -0400

When I find something that disproves what I want to believe I have a saying: "Aaaaaahh, Damn it!!!" I leave the evidence where it is and walk around repeatedly saying "Aaaaaahh, Damn it!!!" Then I go to bed. In the morning I say "Aaaaaahh, Damn it!!!" one more time, then I accept the truth of it GRUDGINGLY!