A case for flexibility and optimism

We don't seek truth. We seek reaffirmation of our beliefs.

We already have a hypothesis about what we believe and seek data to confirm the same. No one can go into a situation utterly blank on theory because they would not know what path to follow.

This is an essential human condition. We cannot live in a state separate from our beliefs.

That means there are only two types of people in this world:

1. People who are rigid about their beliefs are not open to being proven wrong. These people will go to the extent of creating data for their beliefs if they see the absence of the same.

2. People who are flexible about their beliefs are open to being proven wrong. These are the people who take things as they come. Even though they will be disappointed if they see an absence of data for their beliefs, they will take it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

This realization also has a consequence on how happy we can be.

Beliefs are like initial assumptions that we have about life.

For example:
When we believe that most people are evil,
We will spend considerable time trying to prove the bad on others. As you can imagine, digging badly into everyone cannot be a happy experience. No one would want to talk to us because they know we will try to bring the worst out of them.

But if we believe that most people are good,
We will look for the good in all people, find happiness, and motivate others. People will want to talk to us because they can feel the positivity around us.

Since we cannot outgrow our human intuitions of beliefs, a case for flexibility and optimism is strong.

Being flexible allows us to change the beliefs that might not be true and cause confrontation.
Being an optimist allows us to find the good parts of the duality of human nature. It makes our lives happy and will enable us to form healthy relationships.

How do you react when you are proven wrong? Have a flexible week ahead!