## The Nature of Faith Faith, at its core, is a belief embraced in the absence of concrete proof or empirical data. It's a conviction held despite the lack of definitive evidence, a trust placed in something unseen or unproven. This isn't to say faith is inherently irrational, but rather that it operates in a realm beyond the reach of scientific validation. Think of the faith a scientist might have in a promising, yet unproven, hypothesis. They believe in its potential based on preliminary data and theoretical frameworks, even before rigorous testing confirms its validity. ### Faith as a Response to the Unanswerable Faith is most appropriately employed as a response to questions that currently lack definitive answers. It serves as a bridge across the chasm of the unknown, offering solace and direction where knowledge falls short. It is not a good replacement for knowledge, but instead it is something to fill in the gaps left behind by knowledge. Knowing is undeniably superior to merely believing. Empirical knowledge provides a solid foundation for understanding the world, allowing us to make informed decisions and predictions. However, there will always be questions that lie beyond the scope of current scientific understanding, and it is in these areas that faith can play a constructive role. ### Choosing Joy Through Belief If it's impossible to definitively know the answer to a question, then you might as well choose to believe in an answer that increases your joy and well-being. This is a conscious decision to steer away from the [[default setting]], which often leads us to fill in the blanks of mystery with [[fear]] or [[judgement]]. Instead of succumbing to negativity and anxiety, we can actively cultivate beliefs that foster hope, optimism, and a sense of purpose. For example, instead of assuming the worst about a difficult situation, we can choose to believe that it will ultimately lead to growth and positive change. ### Faith as Extrapolation I believe that faith is often an extrapolation from limited experience. You only have limited data and there is a whole world out there to understand. Your brain takes a shortcut and rather than surveying and studying the world it instead extrapolates your experiences and limited knowledge to everyone else. For example, if you are an American you may think that making more money is everyone's goal. This is because you may want to make more money and so does anyone else who you normally interact with. This belief shapes your decision making as well as your perception of other people's decision making, but in fact there are plenty of people not interested in making more money such as monks, artists, or people who prioritize family over career advancement. This extrapolation can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of others' motivations and behaviors. ### The Power of Positive Assumptions Why did that person cut me off while driving? It is easy to imagine that the other person is reckless or egotistical, which feels good in the short term. You get to feel the certainty that you are the one who is wronged and the other person is a jerk, but then you live in a world full of jerks. Instead try to imagine that they are in a rush for a good reason. Perhaps they have a sick kid in the back and they are rushing to the hospital. Then you can live in a world full of caring people who have the correct priorities. This shift in perspective can dramatically alter our emotional response and our overall outlook on the world. What does my future have in store for me? - I decide the future holds good things. Will everything be ok? - Yes. These are simple affirmations of faith that can provide comfort and resilience in the face of uncertainty. ### Faith in Yourself Faith in yourself can be grown through experiences. Experiencing discomfort, pain, loss, or failure and not letting it overwhelm you allows you to have faith that even if you experiences such fates again, that you will be ok. Each challenge overcome, each obstacle navigated, strengthens our belief in our own capabilities. This self-assurance is not about arrogance or invincibility, but rather a deep-seated conviction that we possess the inner resources to cope with whatever life throws our way. ### Faith in Others It can be more pleasant to live in a world where you assume that everyone else has good motivations behind their actions. When you don't know why someone has done something assuming it is something that you can understand and agree with is a great starting point. If you want to request that they change their behavior, starting with empathy will often skip right over the argument and move right into the resolution. There are many times you will have to work with people whose motivations you do not agree with so safe your concern, attention and strength until times when you know you don't agree with someone's motivations and that creates a problem. This approach fosters trust, collaboration, and a more harmonious social environment.