Beliefs

Beliefs are assumptions we hold to be true, regardless of the evidence. When we use our beliefs to make decisions, we assume the causal relationships of the past, which led to the belief, will also apply to the future. We often make these assumptions based on what we see, hear, read, and experience growing up. Many of our beliefs are rooted in our religious or cultural background. Our world is rapidly changing, and the issues we face are complex; using information from the past to make decisions about the future may not be the best to support us in meeting our needs.

For example, let’s consider AI. Some believe that AI will automate tasks and improve efficiency, leading to economic growth, while others believe it could lead to mass unemployment and exacerbate inequality.

Beliefs are contextual: They arise from learned experiences resulting from our cultural and environmental situations.

Types of Beliefs

Each set of beliefs measures how a specific behavior benefits us or others within our society, culture, or community. Here is a list of common types of beliefs:

• Political beliefs: How we think power should be distributed and controlled within a society
• Social beliefs: How we think people’s personal lives should be structured in relation to the rest of society
• Religious beliefs: Everyone is likely familiar with several dominant religions, but we can categorize religious beliefs in two ways. Monotheistic religions believe in a singular deity. These groups are Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Polytheistic religions believe in multiple deities. These groups are Hinduism, Taoism (or Daoism), and Confucianism.

Values

Values are universal. Values transcend contexts because they are based on what is important to us. They arise from the experience of being human. Values are not based on past information, and they are not contextual.

Values are intimately related to our needs. They are derived from the things we need, the things that are important to us, and the things missing from our lives. Our values change as we grow and mature. When we use values to make decisions, we focus on what is essential and what we need for our well-being.

Types of Values

There are five types of values in our environment. Each measures how a behavior benefits us or others within our society, culture, or community.

Here are some examples of values that fall into different categories:

1. Functional value: Does this behavior or item provide a helpful service?
2. Monetary value: Is this behavior capable of generating money?
3. Societal value: Does this behavior help us connect with others or help others connect?
4. Psychological value: Does this behavior allow us to express ourselves more clearly?
5. Cultural value: Do people in my community share this value with me? Does it share a custom or ritual with the people in my group?

How Culture Affects Our Beliefs And Our Values

Our beliefs and values are often acquired through our culture’s reward and punishment systems.

When we go against a society’s values, we are shunned for not complying with what is considered “good.” As long as we behave in line with societal values, we are rewarded, praised, and valued.

Similarities and Difference Between Values and Beliefs

Differences:

• Beliefs are assumptions about the world. Values are how we assign worth to objects and behaviors.
• Beliefs come from our life experiences, spiritual learnings, and culture. Our beliefs heavily influence our values.
• Beliefs can veer off course into prejudice, and values can manifest that prejudice.
• Beliefs affect our morals. Values are how we live our morals through behavior, character, and personality.

Similarities:

• Background and context influence both beliefs and values.
• Beliefs and values influence our behavior and how we experience the world
• Both beliefs and values provide a shared sense of identity and community
• Beliefs and values can change over time

Knowing The Difference Between Beliefs and Values

Knowing the difference between values and beliefs is essential to our personal growth. These concepts impact how we present ourselves to the world in invisible ways. When we look under the hood, so to speak, we can choose whether we actually accept the beliefs ascribed to us or whether the personal values we live by are still serving us well.

Values and beliefs are two crucial concepts that guide our behavior and attitudes. Although values and beliefs are interrelated since they collectively affect our attitudes, perceptions, personality, character, and behavior, there is a distinctive difference between them. The main difference between values and beliefs is that values are principles, ideals, or standards of behavior, while beliefs are convictions that we generally accept to be true. These deep-rooted beliefs influence our values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Having a clear understanding of the beliefs and values guiding us can offer self-awareness. Self-awareness then becomes a tool to help you begin organizing your life in a beneficial way.