Why Most of Us Believe What We Believe

[Bill Thompson]

Dr. Straight's classes in college were difficult because in order to get through them you had to rewire the way we naturally think. Human beings do not naturally think logically.

Here is a perfect example. I could claim to be renamed by aliens as Captain Xarzu, the first earthling to have actually piloted a extra-terrestrial space craft. I could invent my own amazing and wondrous story of how this all came about. I could write it in a novel and sell it. People would buy it if I made it entertaining and people would believe it because the story would be cool and people would want to believe.

But wanting to believe in something has no bearing on it being true. Which it wouldn't be.

I mean, the professor Straight being my most important college professor was true. The UFO part was not.

[Jason]

I think you should stop wasting your time and talents on internet forums and go write best-sellers.

[reynoldbot]

well, at least the scientologists might believe it.

[Bill Thompson]

jason said:

I think you should stop wasting your time and talents on internet forums and go write best-sellers.

You have a good account of how people with good imaginations can empty other persons wallets and bank accounts. It is not my calling. It would not help anyone.