What is the Root of Our Belief?

Why do we like someone?

In my childhood, I liked Sivaji Ganesan's acting, but not M.G.R.'s. I didn't know why then, and I cannot explain it logically even now. Perhaps, Sivaji Ganesan’s acting provided a kind of solace for the problems I faced in the environment I lived in at that time.

In sports, I liked Federer, but not Nadal or Djokovic who defeated him. Today, I like Alcaraz, but not Sinner. The reason might be their body language or their conduct. Thus, each of us likes one person and excludes another. The reason for this is not just about acting or athletic performance; it is a certain style they project that feels close to our hearts. This is an attraction that goes beyond logic.

The basis for believing in God

We might be one of the millions running after Shiva at Tiruvannamalai during Chitra Pournami, or pushing through the crowd to see Kallalagar entering the river. While we say all gods are good, why do we run after a specific one? Is there any scientific evidence for this belief? No. But this belief provides mental peace and a sense of security. When we face losses in life, we believe, "God will protect me." This is a personal belief.

The psychology we don't realize

Cinema, sports, belief in God, politics—though these four seem different, in human psychology, they all connect at a single point. These are all different forms of 'solace' or 'belief' that we seek to fill the desires, fear, loneliness, and insecurity in our lives.

We admire a hero in a movie, admire the style of a sports player, surrender our sorrows to God, and surrender our social future to a political leader. In all these four places, we go beyond logic and surrender to an image. We do not actually need the leader or the God; rather, it is the mental peace that comes from the belief that they will fulfill our desires, wishes, and solve our problems.

Why do people believe in an actor?

Today, when the same people believe in a political leader or an actor, we call it foolishness. If believing that God will solve our problems is 'devotion,' why is believing that our favorite leader will solve our problems considered 'ignorance'? In reality, the belief we place in God and the belief we place in actors and leaders come from the same source. Why do those who accept this baseless belief in the case of God reject it only in politics?

Earlier, we could only see heroes on the silver screen. Children who did not have access to screens did not know them. But today, since silver screens have become 'soft screens' (mobile screens) within our reach, the same psychology that made us love heroes then, attracts children today.

Will criticism change anything?

Criticizing or calling a fan of an actor or a supporter of a leader 'ignorant' (Tharkuri) will not change their belief. Their belief will only become stronger, not weaker. If we want them to change, what should we do?

• Do not mock: Do not insult their belief. It is equal to their belief in 'God.'

• Ask questions: To make them understand, ask gently, "You believe your leader will create new job opportunities, okay. But how will your leader achieve this?"

• Make them think: When they start thinking logically through fair questions, their belief moves from the image toward reality.

Conclusion

Instead of saying, "Believing in God is foolishness," asking how God will fulfill their wishes will make them think. Similarly, in politics, it is not who we believe in that matters, but why we believe. The basis for believing in God and the leader is the same. Therefore, instead of mocking others' beliefs, let us sow the seeds of "Why?" and "How?" behind that belief within them.

When they start thinking for themselves, the images will slowly break, and true clarity will emerge. Mockery is a shortcut; dialogue is the path to truth.

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Note: There is strong evidence in social science for these psychological attachments. Psychologists explain that seeking a 'savior' to escape the uncertainty of life is 'Terror Management Theory.' Feeling a close relationship with leaders we have never met is called 'Parasocial Relationships,' and joining our identity with a specific group to boost our self-esteem is called 'Social Identity Theory.' In short, 'delegating agency' (surrendering our responsibilities) to an image beyond logic, when we are hesitant to face life's challenges, is an evolutionary psychological strategy that humans have chosen to protect themselves.

Ooran