I believe that I truly believe very little. And as I type this I don’t really believe the first sentence I just typed. Let’s see where this is going. One can only truly believe some things but everything else is a work in progress.

The only empirical evidence we have of this is sauerkraut. I will get back to that point.

I believe the absolute belief in some things in life is generally dangerous and counter- productive. An absolute belief in or love of a country is a prime example. Blind patriotism generally leads to a way of thinking that supports the notion that any thing different than your countries mores and beliefs is inherently wrong. To question ones government when it is not operating as intended is patriotic in it self.

The exact same thing can be said for religion. I truly believe that absolute faith and literal interpretations of gospel and written work is generally dangerous. Religious writings are stories and parables written down and passed from generation to generation. We know what happens when stories get passed around. Absolute blind belief in ones religion and dismissing others religious beliefs are a recipe for disaster. We see many cases of this repeatedly through out history right up to the present.

When I was young and had a limited choice in what was served at our fondly remembered family dinners I truly believed that I hated sauerkraut. The cabbage smells permeated our house during its forty minute boil from fresh out the can. This is a Pennsylvania tradition of warding off bad luck for the coming year. And I carried this belief for many years. This belief was shattered one year in Southern Germany as I tasted sauerkraut that was made with out Pork. It was wonderful.

This little scenario is a convenient metaphor for what I truly believe. To be enlightened one must venture away from what is familiar and comfortable. One must see other cultures and other ways of life in order to see the inherent self worth of others.

I truly believe I love my children and that we should treat our fellow human beings exactly as we expect to be treated. Other than that, the rest is open to negotiation. As I truly believe we are works in progress and that the absolute belief and non introspection of existing beliefs can be irresponsible.

For sure, Mark. For some reason, this topic brought to mind this old Tower of Power Song:

What is Hip? - Tower of Power

So you wanna jump out yo trick bag,
Ease on into a hip bag.
But you ain't just exactly sure what's hip.

So you start to let your hair grow.
Spent big bucks on your wardrobe.
But somehow you know there's much more to the trip.

What is hip? Tell me tell me, if you think ya know.
What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years will show,
You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip.
But what is hip?

So you became part of the new breed.
Been smoking only the best weed.
Hanging out with so-called hippest set.
Been seen in all the right places,
Seen with just the right faces.
You should be satisfied,
But still it ain't quite right.

What is hip? Tell me tell me if you think you know.
What is hip? And if you're really hip.
The passing years would show,
You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip.
What is hip?

Hipness is
what it is!

Hipness is
what it is!

Hipness is
what it is!

Sometimes hipness is what it ain't!

You done went and found you a guru,
In an effort to find you a new you.
And maybe even managed to raise your conscience level.

As you're striving to find the right road,
There's one thing you should know:
What's hip today might become passe'.

What is hip? Tell me tell me if you think you know.
What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years would show
That you into a hip trip. Maybe hipper than hip.
WHAT IS HIP?

Think about it y'all!