The ability to think critically is quite challenging to obtain, especially when certain beliefs have deeply embedded in one’s psyche. However, to develop as a person and pursue a profession, it is essential to evaluate one’s opinions and decisions seriously. This paper aims to analyze my personal beliefs and see how they shaped the person I am becoming.
In many ways, human core beliefs are influenced by the unconscious. According to Moore and Parker (2016), “the unconscious features of human psychology affecting belief formation that have been reasonably well established include several that are widely referred to as cognitive biases” (p. 15). I concluded that I am mostly influenced by the confirmation bias and bandwagon effect. The former reflects my point of view on religion. I do not believe in God, and I always view any argument against God’s existence as absolute truth while considering the evidence that argues otherwise to be weak and unimpressive.
When I thought about the bandwagon effect, I remembered two episodes from my life. In school, I witnessed bullying a girl who was wearing glasses and braces. No one liked her and thought she was unappealing and dull. I have to admit that I did somehow share their unpleasant feelings towards the girl and tried to avoid her, even though we did a few projects together, and she seemed friendly and fun. I always felt ashamed for neglecting her, and, as I grew older, I learned that one cannot judge people based on their appearance or opinions that others have about them.
However, the bandwagon effect also positively influenced my understanding of what a good person should be like. Growing up, my parents were very religious and taught me to help others. They made me participate in many charity events, and I was surrounded by people for whom kindness and compassion were like things. Thus, I am always inclined to help others, even if I have to put their needs before my own.
To sum up, I conclude that certain cognitive biases of my psyche seriously affect the person I am. Now, I should pay more attention to how my unconscious beliefs shape the way I make decisions and treat others. If we did it more often, many conflicts could be avoided, and people could get to understand each other and themselves on a deeper level.
Reference
Moore, B. N., & Parker, R. B. (2016). Critical thinking. McGraw-Hill Education.