Exploring the Roots of Extraordinary Beliefs: From Flat Earth to Spirits
On February 22, 2020, Mike Hughes, known as “Mad Mike,” launched his homemade rocket into the Mojave Desert with the aim of proving the Earth’s flatness from space. Sadly, this attempt ended in tragedy as Hughes lost his life shortly after takeoff.
The determination of Hughes, despite the obvious risks, seems striking. How can one justify risking life for a belief that was disproven as far back as ancient Greece?
Yet, Hughes’s extreme conviction is not an isolated case. Throughout history and across cultures, individuals have embraced beliefs that lack substantial empirical support—often dubbed “extraordinary beliefs.”
As an evolutionary anthropologist, I find the prevalence of these beliefs perplexing. Humans have evolved cognitive abilities to create reliable models of the world around them. So, why do we frequently cling to beliefs that appear to defy credible evidence?
In a recent review published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, I offer a straightforward explanation: beliefs in phenomena like flat Earth theories, spirits, and conspiracy theories often arise from personal experiences that individuals interpret as proof of their validity.
Theories Surrounding Extraordinary Beliefs
Traditionally, many social scientists have held the view that beliefs in the supernatural, conspiracies, and pseudoscientific ideas are almost immune to logical rebuttals. This stance implies that personal experience is largely irrelevant in forming such beliefs. Instead, researchers have predominantly focused on two alternative drivers.
The first explanation centers on cognitive biases. Psychological studies suggest that humans are inclined to rely on mental shortcuts when reasoning about the world. For instance, people are likely to attribute intention and intelligence to random occurrences, leading some to believe that divine beings govern natural events like weather changes or health issues.
The second factor revolves around social influences: individuals may adopt certain beliefs not because they inherently find them credible, but rather due to the community or identity associated with those beliefs. For example, some conspiracy theorists may embrace bizarre notions because they resonate with a supportive group of fellow believers.
While these frameworks can help analyze how extraordinary beliefs take hold, they often overlook the nuanced ways experiences influence these convictions.
1. Experience as a Filter
I argue that experiences can serve as a filter, shaping which extraordinary beliefs resonate within a population.
The flat Earth theory serves as a pertinent case study. Despite being entirely incorrect, its simple premise resonates more effectively than other equally flawed alternatives, such as the concept that the Earth is shaped like a cone. This acceptance occurs because the Earth appears flat to those standing on its surface. Although scientific data clearly indicates a spherical Earth, it’s not surprising that some choose to trust their immediate perceptions.
2. Experience as a Spark
Secondly, I propose that personal experiences can ignite the formation of extraordinary beliefs. Unusual experiences, such as auditory hallucinations, can be bewildering and provoke individuals to rationalize them, often leading to the adoption of strange beliefs.
A good illustration of this principle would be sleep paralysis—a phenomenon that occurs during the transition between sleep and wakefulness, leaving individuals conscious but immobilized. This terrifying experience often involves a perceived presence pressing down on the chest. While I interpret this as a product of neurological confusion, it’s easy to see how someone lacking a scientific background might attribute it to supernatural beings.
3. Experience as a Tool
The third avenue elucidates how individuals develop immersive practices that reinforce extraordinary beliefs.
Consider a farmer in Lesotho who experiences multiple miscarriages and seeks answers. Consulting a traditional healer, they are advised to consume a hallucinogenic brew to communicate with ancestral spirits. Following this, they may perceive visions of spirits who elucidate the causes of their misfortunes.
This immersive encounter could strengthen their belief in the existence of spirits. Practices such as prayer, ritual dances, or the religious use of psychoactive substances can serve as experiential evidence that validates corresponding beliefs.
What Lies Ahead?
Extraordinary beliefs themselves are neither inherently positive nor negative. For many, religious beliefs offer meaning, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
However, concerning extraordinary beliefs arise when they propagate misinformation, especially regarding critical domains like science and politics. Understanding how personal experiences shape such beliefs could aid researchers in developing more effective methods for combating misinformation.
Furthermore, this perspective might foster greater empathy for those holding vastly different beliefs. They are not merely “mad” or disingenuous; rather, they are individuals convinced that their own experiences substantiate their views.
