Who Holds the Reins?

It's widely acknowledged that "before the terrorists of 9/11 took control of those planes, their minds were overtaken by beliefs." However, if I suggest, "We all have our minds commandeered by beliefs," you might respond with skepticism, thinking, "Not me, I’m too discerning for that," or you might nod in agreement without grasping the deeper implications—that your beliefs dictate your actions.

This situation is akin to possessing dual identities. There’s the authentic you, and then there are the beliefs that infiltrate your mind as you navigate life.

While we notice the “hijacking” of others' minds, we rarely acknowledge it in ourselves.

> “The most effective slave is the one who believes he is free.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If beliefs are indeed the crux of our challenges, could a fresh perspective on them provide solutions? What constitutes a belief? How do they infiltrate our thoughts, and why do some of the most illogical beliefs persist so stubbornly?

The answer emerged over four decades ago but remains underappreciated. Let’s delve into the evidence, redefine concepts, and challenge conventional wisdom.

The Influence of The Selfish Gene

In 2017, a survey conducted by the Royal Society ranked The Selfish Gene as the most impactful science book ever. Many respondents noted how it shifted their worldview. To truly understand ourselves, we must adjust our perspectives.

What relevance does a book about genetics and evolution have to our beliefs?

The Selfish Gene offers numerous insights, but for now, we’ll focus on three key ideas:

1. Natural selection operates on genes, not on individuals or groups.
2. Genes act as replicators, with us serving as their carriers.
3. Anything that replicates will face selection pressures, enhancing adaptation in future generations.

In his work, Dawkins introduced the notion of a "meme," a replicator that spreads through non-genetic means—essentially, a mental virus.

This differs from the internet memes we commonly think of today. However, if we hone in on the term "belief" in this context, we can uncover intriguing connections.

Distinguishing Ideas, Beliefs, and Memes

Let’s clarify the differences among memes, ideas, and beliefs, considering them as stages in a progression.

For instance, if I say, “I have an idea: jump off that bridge,” you’d likely dismiss it. But if I proclaim, “My God demands you jump off that bridge to demonstrate your faith,” you might still resist, yet under certain conditions, someone could be swayed to leap.

Once someone jumps, it becomes evident that the idea has morphed into an accepted belief.

If that believer persuades others to join in, the belief evolves into a meme.

> Note: Cults often initiate engagement through small, seemingly harmless tasks to foster excitement and belonging, which is a common tactic in many forms of persuasion. This method helps build a sense of community and initiates in-group/out-group dynamics.

The transition from idea, which is the weakest, to meme, the strongest, reveals a clear trajectory. Moreover, the replication process for memes mirrors that of genes:

1. Natural selection applies to memes, not individuals or groups.
2. Memes are replicators, with us as their carriers.
3. As memes replicate, they undergo selection pressures that enhance their adaptability over time.

Two critical insights from the bridge example are: (1) the veracity of the meme is irrelevant, and (2) the host is expendable.

The paramount concern is the meme's survival and its ability to proliferate. Though it may seem counterintuitive, eliminating the host can sometimes benefit the belief.

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

Understanding Selfish Replicators

To simplify, beliefs and memes function as replicators, and while the terms are often interchangeable, they are not identical.

The interests of a belief may not align with those of its host. Every replicator's primary aim is to replicate, but which one prevails in conflicts?

Gene evolution is a slow, vertical process, taking many generations to manifest changes. In contrast, memes replicate both vertically and horizontally, traveling rapidly through modern communication channels. Which replicator has the advantage?

Beliefs are mindless replicators that have evolved to commandeer minds and replicate themselves further.

The notion that we are mere hosts for beliefs may seem unsettling, but in nature, the co-evolution of parasites and hosts is standard. This dynamic can enhance both parties, explaining much of life’s complexity and the evolution of our large brains.

> “Parasitism is the most prevalent lifestyle on Earth; most animal species likely follow this paradigm.” — Kevin Lafferty

This co-evolution isn't inherently good or bad; it's simply a process. Understanding this process grants us a fresh perspective on human behavior.

Consider this: the difficulty many face in changing their minds arises because once a belief takes root, it employs numerous tactics to remain entrenched. Natural selection has honed beliefs to be exceptionally effective at infiltrating and persisting in our minds, shedding light on otherwise irrational behaviors.

For example, our existing beliefs will actively resist any new ideas that threaten them. Observing two individuals in dispute reveals a struggle for survival between competing beliefs.

Beliefs have developed mechanisms to manipulate the brain's fight-or-flight responses, resulting in reactions akin to physical self-defense.

In extreme cases, when a suicide bomber sacrifices themselves, the belief thrives at the individual's expense.

How does the belief benefit? - By attracting attention in a dramatic, unforgettable manner. - By prompting investigation into the belief, facilitating its spread. - By reinforcing the belief among those already influenced.

From the perspective of the meme, the loss of individual hosts can be seen as a minor sacrifice for greater propagation. Memes outpace genes.

On a brighter note, without memes, humanity wouldn’t have language, culture, science, or developed brains. This illustrates the potential of co-evolution, distinguishing us from other species. While animals operate on instincts, we navigate both instincts and beliefs.

> “For many, disbelief in one thing is merely a blind belief in another.” — Georg C. Lichtenberg

Our Most Valued Beliefs

> “I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” — Evelyn Beatrice Hall (paraphrasing Voltaire)

Reflect on this statement and its implications. Would you genuinely sacrifice your life for someone else’s beliefs, especially if they were demonstrably false?

You might argue that it’s the principle of free speech that holds more significance than your life. While free speech is indeed a noble ideal, remember that it, too, is merely a belief. Why is it so revered?

The underlying message is: “I’ll respect your beliefs if you respect mine.” This may seem courteous and politically correct, yet is it rational?

In an era rife with conspiracy theories, “alternative facts,” and “fake news,” these phenomena exist as mechanisms to preserve irrational beliefs.

When you observe intelligent individuals acting irrationally, contemplate the beliefs they might hold. Suddenly, their actions become less absurd; they are simply defending their beliefs, or more accurately, their beliefs are defending themselves.

We often prioritize not upsetting others and their beliefs over seeking the truth—until they cease to reciprocate. On some level, we recognize that our beliefs define our identities.

Attacking someone's beliefs can feel like an assault on their very being, illustrating the profound influence beliefs exert on us.

The Key Takeaway

Viewing the world through the lens of parasitic beliefs reveals their role in shaping our identities by manipulating our minds for their benefit, not necessarily our own.

In defending our beliefs, we often feel we are defending our very selves. This explains why our fight-or-flight responses manifest similarly, regardless of whether we are defending ourselves or our beliefs.

Many struggle to alter their convictions because once entrenched, beliefs enter survival mode and resist change. Recognizing this can foster greater tolerance for others and encourage vigilance regarding the beliefs we permit into our minds.

We have a moral duty to ensure our beliefs align with reality. Failing to do so risks repeating the mistakes of history for the sake of misguided beliefs.

Thus, indeed, a simple idea possesses the potential to change the world.

> “Nothing is more potent than an idea whose time has come.” — Victor Hugo