We believe in things too quickly

STORIES and beliefs are a common part of everyday life. It starts with the truth, or what the person thinks is the truth because of either what he or she realized about why certain things happen or what he or she saw, or what others whom he or she believes as trustworthy and sensible say to him or her. These stories or beliefs get passed from one generation to another and it becomes a part of the daily life of a community. But contrary to what is commonly believed, not all stories and beliefs have scientific basis.

However, in spite of the lack of scientific basis behind these claims, there are people who still believe in these things and get all obsessive about it.

How does sweeping at night get rid of the blessings or luck we worked hard for? How does cutting the hair of a baby and putting it in between the pages of a dictionary help in making the person have his or her way with words? Is there a thing such as an aswang?

Unfortunately, there are still people who believe in these things in spite of not being able to know any scientific proof to certain stories and beliefs – this influences their life in some kind of way when it is not supposed to be that way. Adults even tell things like that out of their conviction of what they perceive as the truth or they use it to discipline their children by scaring them about telling a false consequence like the aswang taking you away if you stray from your parents in a public place.

We believe in these things because we do not take the time to disprove them or research about them. Sure, we are all busy with the duties, responsibilities, and burdens we encounter on a daily basis but nothing is wrong with being skeptical, at the very least, of the things people tell us especially if it does not sound like an intelligent guess based on principles and previous results – this is the challenge that the subject Science gives to each and every one of us. Sure, some people say that they will never be able to use their knowledge of the scientific name of something that they will never encounter and not all people would be able to mix chemicals and do experiments for the profession or business they are going to pursue but Science challenges us to be more curious of the things around us and make decisions that underwent great research, testing, and contemplation.

We are quick to believe in things: this is something Science wants us to stop doing. ( Paid article)