Linus Pauling

I suppose that most of us can identify with the situation of knowing a fact but acting in a way that entirely betrays that belief. In the case Dr. Humphreys just related, we could think "Well, I know that neither science nor medicine has proven that Vitamin C will help prevent me from getting a cold. Yet, maybe at some point in the future they will prove it. But even if they don’t, there doesn’t seem to be any harm in taking it - just in case. It may not help me but it won’t hurt me either, so why not?" So, while we believe that research says ingesting Vitamin C is of no value against acquiring a cold, we continue our morning vitamin therapy routine.

So, we have to admit that we are inconsistent at times. We believe one thing and do another. Usually we can give some sort of rationalization or explanation to account for it, but it does create a bit of internal tension in us - especially if we are called upon to explain the discrepancy between our beliefs and our behaviours.

This happens all the time in the world around us. "I know smoking is not good for me but..." "I know the law says the speed limit is X, but..." "I know the deadline’s coming up, but..." "I don’t agree with sweatshop labour, but, gee, that store has terrific prices."

So what does this tell us about ourselves? That what we know in our head to be true doesn’t always translate to our behaviour. That sometimes what we know isn’t the single, most determining factor in how we act. That our desires and our will actually betray what we really believe. And this is an important truth to consider - don’t confuse what you know with what you believe. Knowledge isn’t belief. Knowledge is fact. Belief is commitment to that truth.

For Reflection:

• Although it’s always easier to see inconsistencies in other people, consider some areas where you experience tension between what you know and what you do.
• What do you think most frequently determines human behaviour - the head, the heart or the will? Is this typical of your own life?