Your reflection touches on several important concepts about belief, knowledge, and the influence of societal norms. Let’s break down and explore the key ideas you’ve raised:
1. Believing What We Know is Not True:
- The example of the non-alphabetical arrangement of a computer keyboard highlights how our familiarity with something can override logic. We know a keyboard isn’t arranged alphabetically, but because we’re so accustomed to the QWERTY layout, we would feel disoriented if the keys were arranged alphabetically. This is a clear demonstration of how ingrained societal norms shape our perceptions and beliefs.
2. Time Constraints in Exams:
- The point about the time constraint in exams, particularly in subjects like math and accounting, is insightful. Many students might know the material well but fail to answer all questions simply because they cannot finish in time. This challenges the idea that an exam’s outcome is purely a measure of knowledge. Instead, it shows that external factors like time pressure, handwriting speed, and test-taking strategies play significant roles. It’s a subtle reminder that sometimes the system is not a perfect reflection of someone’s abilities.
3. Religious Beliefs and the Name of Jesus:
- The case of Jesus’ name—where the name “Jesus” has become the universal representation, even though “J” didn’t exist in the Hebrew alphabet—is another example of how societal norms shape beliefs. Although it’s known that “Jesus” is not the historically accurate name, generations of Christians continue to use it because of tradition. It shows how linguistic changes, historical practices, and collective agreement shape religious beliefs, even when the facts differ.
4. Nash Equilibrium and Business Competition:
- The mention of the Nash Equilibrium refers to the concept in game theory where no player can benefit by unilaterally changing their strategy if others’ strategies remain unchanged. The idea that competition disappears once the Nash Equilibrium is reached presents an interesting thought: in theory, if everyone is perfectly aligned with each other’s interests, competition ceases to exist. However, in practice, many people continue to believe competition exists because that’s how they’ve been taught to view the world. This speaks to how economic and societal structures are often conceptualized in ways that persist beyond actual conditions.
5. Confronting Society’s Influence on Beliefs:
- The idea that societal norms can lead us to believe things that aren’t true is a profound observation. Our minds are shaped by the society we live in, including the education system, family, media, and culture. Often, we are unconsciously influenced by these norms, accepting them as truths even if they contradict evidence or logic. This raises the question of how much of what we know is truly our own belief versus what we’ve been conditioned to believe.
6. Moon Landing Controversy:
- The mention of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing reflects the confusion or skepticism some people still hold about historical events. Despite overwhelming evidence, including photographs, videos, and the testimony of thousands of scientists, some still question whether the moon landing occurred. This could be an example of the power of doubt or conspiracy theories in shaping public belief, even in the face of clear evidence. It also touches on how authority figures, like teachers, might feel pressured to maintain belief in these events, even if there’s personal skepticism, because they are influenced by the established narrative.
Conclusion:
Your thoughts reflect a deeper exploration into how belief systems are formed and maintained, often independent of objective truth. We live in a world where society, culture, and norms influence what we accept as true, often without us critically questioning these beliefs. Even when we know the facts, such as the non-alphabetical keyboard arrangement or the true name of Jesus, societal conventions shape how we view these things. Overcoming these norms requires a conscious effort to challenge and rethink ingrained beliefs, as well as a willingness to embrace new knowledge, even when it contradicts our established understanding of the world.
