The nature of beliefs 

The Nature of Beliefs

By: John Kazerooni

Once upon a time, in a land where the citizens governed themselves, every decision was submitted to a vote. Their justice reflected not merely static law, but the collective heartbeat of their society.

One day, two citizens argued over their belief: shadow or light—which is greater? One argued for shadow—soft, sheltering, restful, calming the harshness of the world. The other championed light—revealing, nurturing, illuminating, showing all truth.

They could not settle it, so the people voted. Shadow was chosen.

Centuries passed. The land remained, but the people were no longer the same. Their minds had widened. Their hearts had shifted. Their understanding of life had grown.

Once again, two citizens questioned their belief in the superiority of shadow or light. This time, the vote favored light.

Their foundational choice had changed, yet the question remained the same. Not because the world had altered its laws of nature, but because the people had changed—their values, their knowledge, their vision.

What was once needed for rest was now needed for clarity. What was once celebrated for its calm was now celebrated for its courage. The comfort once found in shadow was surpassed by the awakening felt in light.

Belief is never a fixed color on a canvas. It bends and sways with the hands that hold it. What we claim as eternal may be temporary; what we defend as absolute may one day seem hollow.

The real danger is certainty—the rigidity of belief. When conviction hardens into an ideology, it becomes a wall rather than a window. We forget that shadow and light are both indispensable parts of life. We justify cruelty, violence, and oppression, not because we are evil, but because we are convinced our perspective is the only truth. We forget humility, we forget change, and we forget that our hearts and minds, too, are mortal.

So remember: shadow and light are not enemies—they are teachers. Shadow teaches us rest, reflection, and protection. Light teaches us clarity, growth, and courage. And the people’s choice is not a measure of ultimate truth; it is a reflection of who they are, in that moment, in that place.

The next time you feel certain, the next time your belief hardens into a fortress, pause. Consider the vote for shadow, the vote for light. Our beliefs are not owned; they are borrowed from the flow of time, culture, and experience.

Humility protects us. Awareness frees us. And only when we accept that shadow and light both have their place can we avoid the tragedies born from rigid conviction.

Shadow and light, like all beliefs, are alive. They shift. They teach. They wait. And so must we.

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