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Single Idea 5309

[from 'On Human Nature' by Edmund O. Wilson, in 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / a. Beliefs ]

Full Idea

Beliefs are really enabling mechanisms for survival.

Gist of Idea

Beliefs are really enabling mechanisms for survival

Source

Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.3


A Reaction

How does he know this proposition which he asserts so confidently? Obvious counterexamples seem to be utterly trivial beliefs, and self-destructive beliefs. What is the evolutionary value of low self-esteem? Still, you see his point.