Given a lack of meaningful information, Man is blind; he will seek instead to use his intuition, “instincts,” and naked assumptions to form an opinion. This is not wrong, per se; it is a natural reaction to seek to fill gaps in one’s knowledge.
When the matter is of great importance, these opinions unfortunately will be as strong — or stronger — than any belief grounded in reality. Left to simmer long enough, certain beliefs become part of who he is.
When presented with empirical facts disproving these beliefs, Man will fight to the death to maintain his false beliefs. Because they are “his” and intwined with his identity.
This is what forms ideology: a savage devotion to an idea that, proven or disproven—true or false—is part of his identity.
The idea becomes a religion, and those who champion for it are its deacons. The fanaticism is only made more intense by other zealots who champion the same cause and “take up the good fight.” Together, you stand united!
For Man seeks to surround himself with others who think and feel the same way—who clothe themselves in the same righteous fervor of idolatry to a Cause.
The blessed Cause, bolstered by ideology and other faithful souls to share in it, becomes your Religion.
When false opinions stand opposed to your Religion, you dismiss them.
When facts or data disprove the ideology, they are rejected.
When unbelievers rise up loudly to showcase your error, they become the enemy.
Because they are not just rejecting your ideas; they are rejecting You; you have become intwined with the ideology you faithfully carry as a bastion of yourself. And you will defend your righteous castle and your self-made God at all costs!
-Sean Dempsey
Aug 01, 2024
