In life, do you think we first have experiences and based on those experiences we develop

[c-rational]

beliefs, or do you think that as a result of the beliefs we hold experiences follow? Again, do experiences precede beliefs or do beliefs precede experience?

[shanny]

1. Um, I think we shape our experiences.

A single (external) event occurs, but can be experienced differently by different individuals. A defeat for one person is a learning opportunity for another. The power is in us to make it one or the other.

So by that metric, beliefs precede experiences.

[c-rational]

5. Agreed. An example I heard relevant to me living in NYC an travelling on the subway is how you feel

if you get pushed from behind waiting for a train. Most people do not react kindly based on their typical thinking, however if turn and see an elderly gentleman with a white cane your experience is very different. A good book which touches on this subject is "The Game of Life" by Florence Shinn.

[Chemisse]

2. I think experiences precede beliefs.

In the case of religion, that often means children being brought up under a belief system, then automatically adopting it as their own as adults.

In my case, a unit on Greek Mythology in sixth grade made me realize that the Christian god was just the end result of a whole evolution of beliefs. I didn't change overnight, but began pondering it, and within a few years had shifted entirely.

Of course our own personalities determine how we react to these experiences. I would bet, for example, that I was the only student in that 6th grade class who wound up abandoning Christianity.

[c-rational]

4. For most of my life I had it backwards and also believed experiences preceded beliefs. Then

I read a little book "Before You Think Another Thought" by Bruce Doyle and now hold firm to understanding that beliefs precede experience. If you find your experiences wanting examine your beliefs. Weed out the bad ones.

[jrthin]

3. I think beliefs precede experience. It's through your

belief system you experience reality.

[OxQQme]

6. "Seth Speaks" - A book by Jane Roberts

"You create your own reality."

As you awaken from the sleep state, you have a choice whether to smile or frown at the coming day.

[JayhawkSD]

7. Thinking in black and white.

Life is in shades of gray. I suspect it is pretty silly not to think that it goes both directions. Experience influences belief, while belief influences experience. Both at the same time, including both effects at work in the same event.

[CanSocDem]

8. I think "belief" creates "reality".

Not only is there scientific evidence dating back to Einsteins time and the introduction of quantum physics, but it easily explains the effects of placebo and hypnosis in the treating of disease. Both highly successful. I would add that the same effect is in play with the vaccination market but this is the 'dog-whistle' that alerts the establishment that you are thinking for yourself.........and that is just not acceptable.


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