Who Holds the Reins?

It’s widely acknowledged that prior to the tragic events of 9/11, the beliefs held by the terrorists led them to hijack planes. However, what if I suggested that we, too, are under the influence of our beliefs? You may dismiss this, thinking, “Not me; I’m too savvy for that,” or perhaps you would agree without fully grasping its implications—that your beliefs may be steering your actions.

This situation resembles having dual personalities: the authentic self and the beliefs that infiltrate your thoughts as you navigate life. We often recognize this "hijacking" in others but fail to see it within ourselves.

> “The best slave is the one who thinks he is free.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If beliefs are at the core of our challenges, could a fresh perspective on them lead to solutions? What constitutes a belief? How do they become entrenched in our minds, and why do some illogical beliefs prove so resistant to change?

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

The Selfish Gene

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

But how is a book on genetics and evolution relevant to our beliefs?

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

1. Natural selection operates on genes, not on individual organisms or groups.
2. Genes act as replicators, and we serve as their vehicles or hosts.
3. Any entity that replicates will face selection pressures, ultimately leading to better adaptation in future generations.

In this work, Richard Dawkins introduces the concept of a "meme."

A meme is defined as an idea, belief, or thought that spreads through non-genetic means; akin to a mental virus.

This definition diverges from the modern interpretation of internet memes, but by focusing on the term “belief,” we can draw fascinating connections.

Idea, Belief, or Meme?

Let’s clarify the distinction between a meme and an idea or belief. It’s helpful to visualize a progression from one to the next.

Consider this scenario: if I propose, “I have an idea, jump off that bridge,” you would likely dismiss it as poor advice. However, if I say, “My God demands you jump off that bridge to demonstrate your faith,” the situation changes. Under certain conditions, someone might be persuaded to leap.

The moment an individual takes that leap, the idea has morphed into a recognized belief. If that believer convinces others to join them, the belief has multiplied and become a meme.

Note: Cults often initiate with small challenges to engage members, a strategy seen in various forms of persuasion. This approach fosters feelings of love and belonging, igniting in-group/out-group dynamics.

> For further reading, see Shin Jie Yong's insightful article on oxytocin:

The Evolution of Ideas

A progression exists from idea (the weakest form) to meme (the strongest). Moreover, the evolution of memes mirrors that of genes:

1. Natural selection favors memes, not individuals or groups.
2. Memes are replicators, and we act as their hosts.
3. Due to their replicative nature, memes will undergo selection pressures, leading to better adaptation in future iterations.

Two critical points arise from the bridge example: (1) the truth of the meme is irrelevant, and (2) the host is dispensable.

What truly matters is the meme's survival and proliferation. It might seem counterintuitive that eliminating the host could serve the belief, but it often does.

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

The Nature of Replicators

To simplify, remember that beliefs and memes function as replicators and are largely interchangeable, though they are not identical.

The interests of a belief and its host may diverge. All replicators aim to replicate; however, which one prevails when their interests conflict?

Gene evolution is slow, occurring over numerous generations, while memes can replicate both vertically and horizontally. With modern communication methods, memes can spread rapidly across vast distances. Which replicator holds the advantage?

Beliefs operate as mindless replicators, evolving to hijack minds and proliferate further. The notion that we are hosts for beliefs may seem unusual, but co-evolving parasites and hosts are commonplace in nature. This dynamic creates an arms race that often enhances both parties, shedding light on life's complexity and our cognitive development.

> “Parasitism is the most prevalent lifestyle on Earth. Most animal species are likely parasitic.” — Kevin Lafferty

The co-evolution of parasites and hosts is a neutral process, shaping us and providing insight into human behavior.

Imagine that the difficulty many face in changing their minds stems from the ways beliefs entrench themselves. Natural selection has favored beliefs that effectively infiltrate and persist in our minds. This knowledge can help explain otherwise irrational actions.

For instance, existing beliefs will resist new ideas that challenge them. Observing two individuals in conflict reveals a struggle for survival—between competing beliefs.

Beliefs have adapted mechanisms to exploit the brain's fight-or-flight response, mirroring the instinctual defense of our genetic survival.

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

Our Most Treasured Ideals

> “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” — Evelyn Beatrice Hall (summarizing Voltaire)

Reflect on this quote and its implications. Would you truly sacrifice yourself for someone else’s beliefs, especially if they are demonstrably false?

You might argue that the principle of free speech outweighs your life. While free speech is a commendable cause, it, too, is merely a belief. What makes it so significant?

The underlying message is, “I will respect your beliefs if you respect mine.” This notion may appear courteous and politically correct, but is it rational?

In an era rife with conspiracy theories, "alternative facts," and "fake news," these are merely methods to uphold irrational beliefs.

Next time you witness seemingly rational individuals acting irrationally, consider the beliefs they might be clinging to. Suddenly, their actions may not seem so irrational; they are simply defending their beliefs or, more precisely, those beliefs are defending themselves.

We often prioritize protecting people and their beliefs over seeking the truth—until they cease to reciprocate. Deep down, we recognize that our beliefs shape our identities.

Attacking someone's beliefs can feel like an assault on their very being. Such is the hold that beliefs have on us.

The Conclusion

Viewing the world through the lens of parasitic beliefs reveals how they shape us, often for their own benefit rather than ours.

In defending our beliefs, we feel as if we are defending ourselves. It’s no coincidence that we experience the same fight-or-flight response in both scenarios.

Many struggle to alter their beliefs because, once formed, they enter survival mode and resist change. Understanding this can foster greater tolerance towards others and encourage us to be discerning about which beliefs we allow to take root in our minds.

We each bear a responsibility to ensure our beliefs align with reality. Failure to do so risks repeating historical atrocities for the sake of false beliefs.

Indeed, a simple idea has the potential to change the world.

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