All humans are engaged simultaneously in two tasks: They seek to know more about the world, and they wish to protect themselves form the world. Especially from information that might prove upsetting.
Language in Thought and ActionTo be open to information about the disbelief system, is to have an open mind.
Language in Thought and ActionIf you are chronically insecure or anxious or frightened, you cling desperately to your belief system, and you are too busy defending yourself against real or imagined threats to take in information about the disbelief system.
Language in Thought and ActionA nation believing the only way to secure peace and dignity is through armed strength, may embark on a huge armaments program. The program arouses the fears of neighboring nations, so that too increase their armaments to match those of the first nation,.
Language in Thought and ActionWhen scientist work with a minimum of interference from financial or political influences—when, that is, they are free to pool their knowledge with their co-workers all over the world and to check the accuracy of one another’s maps by observations independently made and freely exchanged, without regard to whether their hypotheses fit preconceived expectations—they make rapid progress.
Language in Thought and Action