Aligning Beliefs with Truth — Objective Truth Versus Subjective Truth
Aligning Beliefs with Truth — Objective Truth Versus Subjective TruthWe like to believe our thinking is logical, that our choices come from careful reasoning. Yet much of the time, our minds are guided by feelings, habits, and social pressure. This is where irrational beliefs take hold—ideas that feel true but fall apart under evidence. Think about it: have you ever said to yourself, "I know this doesn't make sense, but it just feels true"? Maybe it was about a relationship, a fear of flying, or a superstition you couldn't quite shake. That tension—between objective truth versus subjective truth—is at the very heart of irrational belief.
Unraveling the Truth Within
Psychologists explain that our minds have two central systems for thinking: - System 1: Fast, emotional, intuitive. It blurts out, "This just feels right." - System 2: Slow, careful, logical. It pauses and asks, "But what are the facts?" Here's the problem: System 1 usually speaks first and louder. Imagine seeing a shadow in your room at night. Your gut screams, "There's someone here!" That's System 1. Then System 2 whispers a moment later: "Wait, it's just the coat I hung on the chair." These two systems intersect with what we believe to be true, but truth can be either objective or subjective. - Objective Truth: Something that is true no matter what people believe. It's based on facts, evidence, and reality. Example: Water boils at 100°C (212°F) at sea level. - Subjective Truth: Something that feels true to a person, but may not be true for everyone. It's based on personal feelings, opinions, or experiences. Example: "Chocolate is the best ice cream flavor." Then, we have programming from sources that trigger powerful emotions so that we think and act in the way they want us to. Who would do that?














