What do you believe in?

We all have our beliefs; they are the coordination system of our lives. But issues arise when important decisions are based ONLY on beliefs and not facts.

Here are some examples:

• Researchers found out that the current definition of “famine” is misleading because of questionable and simplified assumptions about people’s diet preferences. They suggested another definition. Tests showed that applying a new approach resulted in a 50% difference to the traditional measurement of famine.
• Statistics show that the total number of victims from energy generation per megawatt is by far the highest for coal, followed by oil. Nuclear energy has significantly fewer victims. I know that many of you have good reasons for preferring the one or the other energy source. But how do you deal with facts that contradict the things you have always believed in?
• Conventional wisdom tells us that we should drink two liters of mineral water per day. Most doctors agree that healthy adults do not need this amount on a normal day. Just drink when you are thirsty. No more, no less. Who created the two-liter myth?

You might have an opinion on these topics, and for very good reasons.

But it is important to understand that we are all biased by paradigms that surround us and trigger our judgment and decisions that have an impact on ourselves, and the well-being of others.

Question conventional wisdom each day. And PLEASE never stop just because it is more convenient.

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