286. What we believe depends on what we
learn. We all believe it is impossible to get to the moon; but there might be
people who believe that it is possible and that it sometimes happens. We say:
these people do not know a lot that we know. And, let them never be so sure of
their belief – they are wrong and we know it.
If we compare our system of knowledge with
theirs then theirs is evidently the poorer one by far.
what we believe –
depends on what we learn –
and what we learn –
is open to question –
open to doubt –
is uncertain
no one is in a position to say –
‘we all believe …’
anyone who says such a thing –
is pretending support –
for their own view –
or is just plain ignorant
if you understand –
that all knowledge –
is uncertain –
then you will be tolerant –
of different beliefs –
different systems of knowledge –
different ways –
of seeing the world
© greg t. charlton. 2010.
