Where Did We Get Our Axioms?
Fundamental beliefs can come from upbringing, education, experience, and personal conviction. Tracing those influences can help explain why people disagree even when each position feels self-evident.
THE IDEA
WHERE DID WE GET OUR AXIOMS?
The question of where we came up with our own axioms is more philosophical, but important as it may help us understand other people who disagree with us fundamentally. Most of us get our personal beliefs from some combination of our upbringing, society, education, life experience and gut feeling. Some things are instilled in us by our parents, but most of us don’t have exactly the same opinions as our parents, which means something else must influence us. Education can expand people’s world view and lead them to see things differently from their parents. So can life experience, especially if the parents grew up in a very different era, culture, or economic environment. Some beliefs seem to come from nowhere in particular except personal conviction, but if we think about it very hard, we might be able to see where that personal conviction comes from.
For example, I believe that it is more important to be kind than to be right, and I simply feel this very strongly. But if I think about it hard, I see that it comes from my life experience, and incidents when I’ve been so hurt by other people’s behaviour that I’ve come to believe more and more strongly in the importance of kindness.
I believe that education is the most important way in which I can contribute to the world, and again, I simply feel this very strongly. But if I examine the source of that feeling, it is a combination of values instilled in me by my parents and piano teacher, together with evidence that I am not really cut out to be a doctor (too much memorising in medical school) or to brave war zones to rescue people (I am too afraid of physical danger).
Some people can trace all their fundamental beliefs back to religion. That still leaves the question of where their belief in religion comes from. For some people it might come from their parents and their upbringing, possibly reinforced by their education. For others it comes from a particular time in their life, unfortunately often after a tragedy or trauma. It might also come from being swayed by a very influential person. Understanding what people’s fundamental beliefs are helps us find the root of disagreements, and understanding where they get their beliefs can help us understand how we might be able to address those beliefs.
When to use it
When debating with someone who holds opposing views, consider what axioms underlie their position.
When making a decision that aligns with your values, reflect on why you hold those values.
In a team setting, understanding each member's fundamental beliefs can improve collaboration and reduce conflict.
When encountering a strongly held belief in yourself or others, ask where it came from to gain deeper insight.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Kindness over Rightness
The author believes that being kind is more important than being right, and traces this belief to life experience and incidents where they were hurt by others' behavior.
Education as Contribution
The author believes education is their best contribution, stemming from parental values and evidence of not being suited for other careers.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What are your own core axioms or fundamental beliefs? Where do you think they come from?
Can you trace a personal belief to a specific experience or influence?
How might understanding the origin of someone else's beliefs help resolve disagreements?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Art of Logic How to Make Sense in a World that Doesn’t (Eugenia Cheng)