I get where you’re coming from, but I have to disagree with you. The truth of the matter is that, when it comes to value systems, reason follows emotion, not the other way around. For most people, when they encounter facts that go against their pre-existing beliefs or biases, they will rationalize the fact away, rather than confront and change their pre-held belief - there is a lot of research out there which bears this out. Unfortunately, rationality can be abused by those with bigoted beliefs - just look at the concepts around scientific racism, eugenics, etc. popular around the 20th century.
We literally do trust a shaman (doctor) to give us a potion (medicine) to cure illnesses.
The problem is very, very deep rooted in the foundations of our society, and nothing short of a full social revolution would change it. I have my fingers crossed that we can do it, but I am very doubtful.
If they don’t change their beliefs, then I change strategy: Refer to my previous comment in this same post. Nobody wants to be reminded that heresy (and they are heretics to 500 years ago standards) was punished with fire. If we don’t burn people alive for not being christian enough, it means we don’t do things “just because we always did it that way”.
The exact behaviours have changed, but not the underlying fundamentals - that might makes right, and that violence is an acceptable method of enforcing societal hegemony. For example, in Gaza, there are humans genociding other humans over racial, religious and ideological differences.
I get where you’re coming from, but I have to disagree with you. The truth of the matter is that, when it comes to value systems, reason follows emotion, not the other way around. For most people, when they encounter facts that go against their pre-existing beliefs or biases, they will rationalize the fact away, rather than confront and change their pre-held belief - there is a lot of research out there which bears this out. Unfortunately, rationality can be abused by those with bigoted beliefs - just look at the concepts around scientific racism, eugenics, etc. popular around the 20th century.
We literally do trust a shaman (doctor) to give us a potion (medicine) to cure illnesses.
The problem is very, very deep rooted in the foundations of our society, and nothing short of a full social revolution would change it. I have my fingers crossed that we can do it, but I am very doubtful.
Happy new year, I hope 2026 is kind to you!
If they don’t change their beliefs, then I change strategy: Refer to my previous comment in this same post. Nobody wants to be reminded that heresy (and they are heretics to 500 years ago standards) was punished with fire. If we don’t burn people alive for not being christian enough, it means we don’t do things “just because we always did it that way”.
Also: likewise! Happy new year to you too!
The exact behaviours have changed, but not the underlying fundamentals - that might makes right, and that violence is an acceptable method of enforcing societal hegemony. For example, in Gaza, there are humans genociding other humans over racial, religious and ideological differences.