What You Will Gain from this Fight
Most fights—whether physical, verbal, or emotional—I try to avoid. For example, when it comes to discussing politics, if I don’t have a clear understanding of which idea would prove better, or if the subject’s impact on me or the other person is less consequential than the potential stress coming from a disagreement, I don’t get involved.
However, our worldview beliefs are a choice we all must make for ourselves, and is the foundation and guide from which we make endless and serious choices, thoughts, actions, responses to what life brings, and set goals and directions in life upon. This is as serious as it gets (see the Why Should I Care section in the website). Not to mention the potential impact after this life, which can raise the impact level off the charts.
And, because different belief systems contradict each other, only one, at most, can be accurate in those foundational issues where they contradict.
Meaning: One belief system is able to serve as a solid foundation you can rely on when reality crashes against you, and the inaccurate others will eventually be washed away by reality, dropping what you built into unexpected consequences
The Danger of Avoiding the Fight
Choosing to ignore the importance of worldview beliefs, either for yourself or for those you care about, is an incalculable risk. It’s not just unreasonable —it’s dangerous.
You might be thinking, “This is overwhelming. There’s so much information, so much misinformation—how am I supposed to sift through it all?” The good news is: the hard work has already been done. Some of the greatest minds in history have fought these battles, and more importantly, reality itself has tested these ideas.
Worldviews like agnosticism, atheism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and others aren’t fighting each other – as many seem to think – they’re up against the relentless tests of reality. Reality, through history, science, philosophy, personal experience, and more, batters like waves against these beliefs, forcing them to prove their validity. These reality checks can determine whether you will be a victor, or a casualty through and after your life, because the tide of reality never fails to bring the consequences. A worldview standing strong under these tests reveals itself as a solid foundation, while others—like sandcastles—are eventually washed away. Claiming you don’t have a belief, is also a belief system foundation, and will also face reality and the consequences that naturally follow.
You’re Already in the Arena
Whether you realize it or not, you’re not just a spectator of this fight—you’re a participant. The foundation you’re building and betting your life upon is currently being tested by reality. The question is: Are you on solid ground? You have much to gain in seeking information on the foundational beliefs you are invested in.
For those standing on an accurate worldview, watching the fight gives you confidence your beliefs can be relied upon. It brings reassurance that your foundation is firm, allowing you to live with clarity and purpose and security. However, for those holding onto inaccurate beliefs, what you stand to gain from this fight is even greater.
When flawed beliefs are exposed by truth—whether through facts, logic, or personal experience—it may hurt. But think about it: the hurt will be more than offset by the future hurt, which you will now avoid. And the good things, which will now be added to your life as you move to an accurate foundation to correctly base your choices, goals, and direction in life upon, are measureless.
We all arrive at our current worldview through different factors—family, culture, education—but reality will ultimately determine which beliefs are true and which are not. If you’re brave enough—or simply wise enough—to allow your beliefs to be tested by reality, whether through reading articles, having discussions, or personal study, you’ll gain the invaluable benefit of knowing your foundation is secure.
On the other hand, if you choose to ignore the big questions in life—protecting your comfortable beliefs from potential challenges from truth—you may avoid temporary discomfort, but you’ll also remain in a precarious position. You might spare yourself (and others) some difficult conversations, but deep down, you’ll know your sense of comfort is fragile.
It is an uncomfortable comfort, an insecure security. You will have created your own blind spot, and it will be from that darkened area where the unexpected and harmful results gain entrance. Ignoring the truth won’t protect you from the consequences when reality inevitably crashes in.
This isn’t said to be harsh—it’s just realistic. If you think this doesn’t apply to you, ask yourself: can you list five solid, evidence-based reasons why you hold the worldview you do? If you can’t, that’s a telling sign. People who aim for the best life possible let their beliefs be tested because they understand the outcome directly affects their future.
Ooooo, did you see that?!
When you watch a fight, if one of the fighters is especially good or if one of the fighters is especially weak, there are often decisive moments that make everyone gasp. When one fighter lands a crushing blow, you might hear a collective, “Ooooooo,” or, if it’s especially harsh, “Ewwwww.”
In the realm of ideas, these moments happen too. When one idea is clearly stronger, or another is brutally exposed as weak, there’s a pivotal moment where truth becomes undeniable. And while we might feel sympathy for the losing idea, this kind of fight is different because it brings clarity, not harm.
Think about times when you needed a crucial answer—waiting for a college acceptance letter, a job offer, a serious relationship decision, or medical test results. In each of those moments, the outcome would shape your future. In the same way, watching the “worldview fight” can provide those “Ooooo” moments—giving you the clarity you need for life’s biggest questions.
And these fights are fascinating. They involve everything—from the mysteries of kangaroo babies to the music of Tool, from Einstein’s theories to South Park episodes, from global news to personal experiences. Every field of study and aspect of life has something to contribute to this grand contest of ideas.
Since you’ve already placed your bet—since you’re already invested in a worldview—you owe it to yourself to watch this fight and see where the evidence leads.
