Why are people so willing to believe

Why do people so willingly believe wild tales of special science as long as it comes from an "official" source. If it is somebody with a rank folding the tinfoil hat, they will gladly wear it, as long as it has a shiny name, like official report.

Anything in specific?

In general, I think that is because their belief is driven by a subconscious need for adventure in life. Sometimes, it is just that weird things DO happen....

But then there are tons of skeptics, too. I think it's an even number.

reply to post by Cassius666


we are people of design. from an early age we are all taught to respect authority. and authority comes to us in the form of government. we all want to believe in concepts and ideals that make our life meaningful. if that comes to us in an official capacity, it makes us feel better about ourselves.

reply to post by Cassius666


So we should believe unknown clowns posting things on the internet....

reply to post by Cassius666


You are taught from birth to listen to and obey authority figures, such as your parents, even when what they say doesn't make sense to you. Did anyone's parents ever tell them, "because I said so, thats why"? As you get older, you are taught to obey other authority figures such as teachers, principals, coaches, police officers, etc. even when you disagree with them. Then, when you're old enough to understand where all of these people are in the heirarchy of authority...they teach you about gov't. Only problem is, typically the student is only exposed to great men of history who fought and died for this country and our freedom, so naturally we assume that current gov't officials are equally patriotic. So, at a very young age your understanding of reality is that YOU are virtually powerless with all of these levels of increasing authority above you and at the very top is the Federal Gov't. If you never are allowed or feel the need to question its authority or intent then I ask, why would you not believe?

Originally posted by thedman
reply to post by Cassius666

 

So we should believe unknown clowns posting things on the internet....

Apposed to believing in known clowns,in suits,using tele-prompters and appearing on our tvs?

Originally posted by Black_Fox

Originally posted by thedman
reply to post by Cassius666

 

So we should believe unknown clowns posting things on the internet....

Apposed to believing in known clowns,in suits,using tele-prompters and appearing on our tvs?

Impressively concise.

"Promising you whatever you need to be promised" Dan Halen

People believe what they want to believe despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The thing is people take comfort in their beliefs and no matter how much evidence is presented against those beliefs, they will never be convinced otherwise. That is the one sign of a closed mind. Tragic, but most people are locked into such ways of thinking.