Why people believe weird things...

1. 68

   superwagsposted 14 years ago

   Inspired by the director of the America Skeptics Michael Shermer's talk on TED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T_jwq9ph8k
   
   Why do so many people choose to believe ridiculous things when there's so much evidence against them?!
   
   On these forums I have discussed vampires, creationism, homeopathy and religions of all types. Why do people still believe in this stuff?!
   
   
   

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   1. 58

      Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      You'll often find that those who believe in the supernatural and other forms of nonsense were indoctrinated into a religion. They have accepted without and critical thought the doctrines of their religions, which include the supernatural and all that entails.
      
      They never developed critical thinking skills and happily continued on in their lives believing such things, despite the evidence.

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   2. 61

      paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good One!

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   3. 74

      Jeff Berndtposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That video was mighty! Incidentally, I just brought home a copy of his book. Lots of fun.

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   4. 71

      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      A great video, he is a very entertaining speaker too.

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2. 75

   tritrainposted 14 years ago

   I think you will find that many "fringe" people are attracted to internet places because they can find some level of acceptance. Plus these same people may appear ultra normal in society, but here they can share their real thoughts. 
   
   As a gorilla on HubPages, I would think you would understand weird stuff.
   
   Now, if you were to say that you think you're a vampire gorilla then I would think you're really weird!

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3. 68

   superwagsposted 14 years ago

   Give an infinite number of chimpanzees an infinte number of typewriters and they will write the complete works of Shakespeare. yada yada yada...
   
   It's a Sulawesi macaque incidentally, not that I'm pedantic or anything...
   
   No you're right, it's amazing what a bit of anonymoity can do for peope I guess.

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4. 0

   Digsposted 14 years ago

   I guess I would ask why you seemingly believe in a single dimensional universe wherein reality is based solely upon the empirical.  I cannot account for the vampire aspect of your question or bizarre religious cults, but homeopathy is a proven science, at least to some extent.  There are also certain quarters within the field of physics that support intelligent design.
   
   I would ask your question, of you.  I am not being critical, just curious why you believe what you do?

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5. 60

   knolyourselfposted 14 years ago

   "I would ask your question, of you.  I am not being critical, just curious why you believe what you do?" Maybe it's fun.

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   1. 0

      Digsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Not much one can say to your response.  Doesn't really merit a serious answer.  If you believe what you believe because it's fun, then I am happy for you.  Enjoy life my friend.

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6. 71

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   There are plenty of real weird things in the world that are true without believing all the invented weird stuff like religion.

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7. 0

   jomineposted 14 years ago

   But you believe in "creationism", don't you?

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8. 96

   CMHypnoposted 14 years ago

   Ultimately, one of the great things about this world is that we are all free to believe what we want to believe. I don't understand why people are so threatened by other peoples beliefs (and this is what leads to the violence), however wacky and different it may seem to them. Live and let live and vive la difference! Who wants to live in a bland, vanilla-flavoured world.

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   1. 59

      recommend1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree with this - everyone should be free to believe what they like and be taught reasoning and critical skills before they are taught to speak!

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