The Belief Instinct: The Psychology of Souls, Destiny, and the Meaning of Life

Why do we believe in higher powers, in creation, and the like? It is a question for the ages and one that likely will never be settled completely. It is also the topic of discussion in this book, The Belief Instinct.The basic premise of the book is that humans are the only creatures that have evolved to the point where perceive the minds that surround us, and thus we are the only creatures that believe in a higher power. This Theory of Mind is referenced several times throughout the book and is used to help explain why we humans think the way we do when it comes to spirituality,I have read similar books to the Belief Instinct in the past, but this book stands out for several reasons. I like the approach it takes to the subject of belief and I like the examples it provides. It may surprise people to discover, for example, that even diehard non- believers will still reference belief in the supernatural from time to time. This backs up the book’s main idea, which is the fact that beliefs seem to be instinctual and a part of the human psyche. We cannot completely escape this tendency, no matter how hard we try.Another aspect of this book that I really like and appreciate is that it maintains a respectful tone throughout. Even though it is clear that the position the book takes is from a position of non- belief, the book is still respectful of those who do not share its position. This is better than other books on this same topic, many of which directly ridicule anyone who believes in God, the afterlife, etc. With such a respectful tone, anyone can read this book without feeling offended. And those who are presently grounded in their theistic ways could very well come away from the reading with a new perspective on the subject.Well- written and thought- provoking, the Belief Instinct is a worthwhile read and while much of what it discusses has been talked about before and by countless other authors, it is still a good read overall. The explanations, examples, anecdotes, etc will get anyone thinking about their own belief system and how fragile- and generally unfounded- a belief in supernatural beings truly is.

Bering's main thesis is the "theory of mind" - the trait that, among all species, humans alone possess. The theory depends on our evolved ability to:1. Mind-read - to predict what others are thinking and what they're likely to do.2. Participate in and dissect gossip (the most widespread hobby humans have).3. Learn to co-operate or be ostracized by the group.4. Contemplate our own mortality.These evolved abilities were responsible for the cohesiveness of early humans and their ability to survive. Bering says a by-product was the "instinct" to believe in supernatural agents.The theory is not his own but Bering makes good use of it in applying it to belief in gods. He says, "Theory of mind is as much a peculiar trademark of our species as is walking upright on two legs, learning a language, and raising offspring into their teens."Aside: I might add, from personal experience, this last project can extend into the twenties or later.Thing is, religion is not the major emphasis: the theory of mind is and it evolved simultaneously with language and religion. Commitment to religion - at least in the early evolution of humanity - wasn't even costly. It was a by-product and proved helpful in enforcing social compliance. It was part of the package.As Bering writes about the evolution of the mind, he develops the idea of a "Belief Instinct." Many atheists believe that "religious ideas amount to a sort of cultural virus, the human brain being parasitized by virulent concepts that children catch like a bug from infected adults." Not so, says Bering: "Just like a crude language sprouting up, at least some form of religious belief and behavior would probably appear spontaneously on a desert island untouched by cultural transmission, particularly beliefs involving purposes and origins." Then he says, "....since natural selection works without recourse to intelligent forethought, this mental apparatus of ours evolved to think about God without need of the latter's consultation, let alone His being real."Bering says all this without sounding derogatory about any particular belief system - he doesn't try to talk anyone out of their religion. As to an afterlife - when you die your kidneys die, as does your heart, your liver, your spleen, and yes, your brain. Since your mind is what your brain produces, it's gone too, along with that 21 contested grams of soul. Like Occam said, the simplest answer is likely to be correct. Like Ecclesiastes says, the solution to life is to enjoy it while you can while doing all the good you can because it will soon be over. And that's all there is.Our mind, our identity, is something the brain has provided for us. It is able to perceive for us our mortality - an apparent unique condition only we possess within the animal and plant kingdoms. It's not particularly comforting that our mind dies with our bodies. Like religious people, I, too would like it to be different, but there is no scientific evidence to justify any other conclusion. This scenario is unacceptable enough to guarantee the invention and persistence of belief systems that offer more pleasant alternatives. I would not deny that comfort to anyone despite overwhelming evidence for the sad truth. Our parts may be (and are) broken up and used by nature elsewhere but our minds will die. No wonder we invented gods.

We develop the ability to predict the reactions of other people, even when those people are absent. From this simple statement, Bering investigates the implications for our psychologically, socially and culturally constructed beliefs in everrything from ghosts to God. The result is a well-reasoned and stimulating read, drawing heavily from research on both sides of the Atlantic.He is especially good on 'the intoxicating pull of destiny beliefs' and in using research with children at different ages to demonstrate the development of the idea of the unknown, unseen viewer.My one caveat is that the book came out before recent neurological research has demonstrated the inherent rewards of social behaviour. However, such research merely reinforces his core arguments.A good read.

I really enjoyed this book. I am somebody who takes a fair bit of interest in psychology of religion discussions and found Bering's book extremely accessible. It is written with humour, humility and intelligence. His conclusions may not be pleasing or make comfortable reading for theists; however his argument does not make necessarily comfortable reading for agnostics or atheists either! Significantly, Bering distances himself from the Dawkins-type argument that sees religion as some sort of erroneous misfiring. Rather, Bering proposes an interesting theory about religion which places it firmly within the epic narrative of evolution. I particularly enjoyed reading the empirical work which he and others have engaged in with respect to theory of mind research. As a student of pyschology I was especially intrigued by the 'Princess Alice' experiments which are discussed within these pages.This book is easy to read, entertaining and one of the better books of its type out there on the market. Enjoy!

Delivered promptly in good condition and as described. Interesting a readable. Of value to someone who professes faith even though written by someone who doesn't.

A very thought provoking and intelligent analysis of human behaviour. The explanations of why humans have been and are still attracted to religion, should make you question any religious beliefs you have and put your mind at ease that religion is entirely imaginary and can be safely abandoned.

This book is brilliant and challenging. Personally it through light on and turned upside down alot of my own preconceptions, assumptions and cognitive illusions and for anyone interested in evolutionary psychology and the cognitive architecture of the human species this is a must. Jesse Bering pulls no punches but boy he strikes with a humble, humorous and witty intelligence and a sophisticated penmanship that makes this the most enjoyable psychological science book I have read. I am not going to comment on the content of this book as another reviewer has concisely provided an excellent over-view of Jesse Bering's fascinating and powerful psychological proposal based on empirical evidence derived from some brilliant creative research (including his own) in the fields of 'theory of mind' and related cognitive processes.