“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.”
Stuart Chase
I would imagine this quote would cause most people to think of religious beliefs. It was the first thing I thought of when I read it. And, I think it is true in regard to religious beliefs. But, then it got me thinking....
I think that concept is true no matter what we might believe in. Whether we believe in a person, a thought, a feeling, a value, a relationship, etc.....
As human beings, we tend to find reasons to believe what we want to believe. We tend to look for the "proof" to back up what we want. And, if we believe in something or someone strongly enough, we not only don't need "proof", we may even choose to overlook "proof" that would oppose our belief.
Many people make many life altering choices this way. In reality, they are making the choices based on what they want, rather than any real "proof".
The same things hold true for when we don't want to believe something.
Have you ever noticed that when talking to someone who has "dug in their heels" on an issue, no "proof" or logical argument will sway them? Why is that? You could make the most convincing argument on the face of the earth and it will make no difference.
It is our human will. We want what we want. If we don't want to believe in something, or someone, we just won't do it. All the "proof" in the world won't matter.
The bottom line is that we have choices about these things.
I think we just need to be honest about our human will, longings, desires, and "wants". If we make choices based on those things, we may be overlooking important factors we don't want to see. That can be hard to face.
But, then again....most things that seem really important in life are usually hard. But worth it.
