Tim J. Cummings

Researcher & Author

HOME2024-11-21T09:48:21-05:00

We Might be Wrong

We must learn to free ourselves from entrenched belief systems so that we can work together to build a survivable world for future generations

About this philosophy

Background

We humans instinctively need to trust the people with whom we share our society—especially our family, friends, and the professionals we depend on to keep our machines running. Because it is nearly impossible for a person or a group to isolate themselves today, we have little choice but to get along with people who hold different beliefs. Regardless of how much we want to mind our own business, we are compelled to influence and control the things other people can say and do… because of our beliefs. It’s especially easy to do this by proxy, based on our tithes, our votes, our purchases, and our social media posts.

Indeed, it is our individual tacit actions that enable the world’s legal, ethical, and liturgical systems to apply the forces by which others are controlled. In many cases, it is these social forces that generate our larger, cultural identity, which is often quite beautiful. It has led to the creation of magnificent creations and epics. With such pride, it is easy to feel deeply offended when any of our sincerely held beliefs are rejected or challenged. We place our beliefs on pedestals, both metaphorically and literally.

However, what if our beliefs are wrong? What if our cultural tenets—the ideals and imagery we hold most dear—are based on flawed beliefs? What if our governments and rules of law, which are designed to uphold our cultural and moral values, cause unnecessary and often grievous harm to others and the environment because of those beliefs? Inasmuch as our beliefs give us hope and the will to create great societies and perform remarkable acts, they make us rigid, unempathetic, and hateful when faced with ideas that don’t mesh. The evidence of this pervades all media, and the related social behaviors are part of our genetic makeup.

We can’t help but embrace tribalism. However, unlike during prehistory, today’s existential task is not hunting, gathering, and sheltering from the weather… at least not while we’re part of the social group in charge of the government and economy. Nonetheless, we no longer need to compete with other tribes to secure sustenance. Today, we have the means to ensure our sustainment forever or thereabouts, as long as we are willing to put aside our manufactured hatred and fear, regardless of whether it is tacitly or directly wielded. Our species is now one of a global community, and our needs have diverged from our ancestral tribal preoccupations that enabled us to survive and procreate for millennia. Today’s existential task involves growing beyond competition. It requires greater knowledge, cooperation, and well-being for all. As it pertains to human belief systems, we require change.

Synopsis

Many authors have written groundbreaking books that advocate for certain beliefs and frameworks for improving one’s life or finding love and happiness. My book does not advocate for or against any specific beliefs. Its purpose is not to debunk theories or to convert anyone from one system to another. People can and should change their minds on their own. I am taking aim at the entrenchment and inflexibility of beliefs with the objective of encouraging readers to question those beliefs compassionately and intelligently for the sake of allowing everyone to pursue their dreams in peace.

Sometimes, the biggest internal change needed to succeed is allowing one’s self to stop reacting with zeal and anger when challenged. Our fractured society needs to be bridged, and because beliefs are the lens through which we see the world, it should be done smartly. I believe it can be. This book, currently under development, provides the knowledge needed to recognize a justified true belief and to accept the fact that two independently justified true beliefs can contradict one another… and that’s okay.

Hence, if we can begin a dialogue from the same conceptual starting point, we can then develop the cooperative and conceptual skills with which we can embrace uncertainty and question the motivations behind the need to be right. Activities and examples will be provided in the book so that readers can exercise their knowledge using a wide variety of tools and methods, ultimately to individually separate our identities and those of other people from our beliefs. I want us to treat other humans with humanity… not with entrenchment.

About Tim

This is Dr. Timothy J. Cummings. He is a seasoned writer, academic, musician, and strategic thinker with over 23 years of experience spanning multiple industries and disciplines. With a profound background in project management, data analysis, and leadership, he has navigated complex organizational problems, combat operations, and cross-functional missions, often under high-stress conditions – and has succeeded. “Hope” is his call sign.

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