Reply To: Exercise 5: Write Others’ Beliefs and Write Society’s Beliefs
Reflection on the “Write Others’ Beliefs” Exercise
This week, I immersed myself in the question: “What belief would make that behavior make sense?” This inquiry led me to contemplate significant topics such as the U.S. presidential election, environmental challenges, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Identifying Others’ Beliefs
I sample of my list of beliefs that I observed in individuals and society:
1. Elon believes that immense power can lead to positive change.
2. Society believes that love triumphs over hate.
3. A majority believes in protecting abortion rights.
4. Many voting Americans believe that Trump should be president.
5. America prioritizes safety over certain liberal values.
6. My roommate believes that most people’s lives are affected by who is president.
I noticed that people’s beliefs are deeply intertwined with their values and perceptions of security, freedom, and progress. The recent election highlighted how divergent beliefs can shape behaviors and decisions on a national scale, especially on issues like reproductive rights and public safety. Identifying others’ beliefs felt somewhat intrusive and uncomfortable at first, as it was challenging to infer what others might believe without projecting my own biases. However, this process opened the door to greater empathy and understanding, allowing me to see perspectives different from my own.
Since the election, I’ve experienced a surge of frustration, anger, and grief. Acknowledging these emotions has been difficult but necessary. This exercise helped me channel these feelings into a more empathetic understanding of others, even those with whom I disagree. By consistently asking what underlying belief might explain someone’s behavior, I began to develop the skill of empathetic inquiry, stepping outside of my immediate reactions. This doesn’t come easily and requires conscious effort, but it’s invaluable for meaningful communication and relationships.