Of all the beliefs you hold, the most dangerous...

[TheMercenary]

[Cicero]

It is important to figure out what ethical framework you already utilize and expand these personal strengths........ It isn't too greedy to figure out what great philosophies you yourselves hold, and expand.

The real danger is being robbed of strengths- when everyone knows what your intentions are and what you are, and what principles you do have (in third person ).

[footfootfoot]

Hey stranger!

[monster]

Why would you believe something you don't know to be true? Or at least have a reasonable amount of evidence?

I have very few beliefs, but I do believe that if you do good things in society, you will inspire other people to do good things and life will be better. I believe this because I have been inspired by others who do great things for no personal gain (other than feeling good about doing the "right" thing) and others have told me I have inspired them. It's a karma thing, with real-life reenforcement.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by monster

Why would you believe something you don't know to be true?

Its called faith.

[monster]

and....?

[classicman]

??????????

[Lamplighter]

Mons, nicely said.

[classicman]

Nice? Its idiotic? Didn't you get married on faith in your partner?

Do you believe in Beest not to cheat on you and to uphold his responsibilities as your life partner?

Don't you, Lamp have that same faith in your wife?

This is but one example.

[Lamplighter]

I have very few beliefs, but I do believe that if you do good things in society, you will inspire other people to do good things and life will be better.

Applies to marrying my wife too.

So where's the problem ?

[classicman]

You avoided my point completely.

[Lamplighter]

Sorry Classic, I didn't mean to avoid anything.
I just don't understand the issue you are taking with what Mons said.

I use the word "belief" to refer to something I think is true
(e.g., I believe the sun will rise tomorrow morning)
I might confirm that belief by waiting til morning to see what happens.

I use the word "faith" to refer to something I hope is true (e.g., religion)
But almost by definition, I can't confirm the validity of that faith in any real-world way...

So, I wouldn't use the word "faith" as a description of my relationship to my partner.
Mons used "belief" and gave some of her own real world experiences as examples for why she finds her beliefs to be true.

Is that any closer to what you are getting at ?

[xoxoxoBruce]

You're limiting the meaning of "faith". By projecting your meaning of the word, you misinterpret what others are saying, when they use the #1 meaning.

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in god or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology . the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
—Idiom
9. in faith, in truth; indeed: In faith, he is a fine lad.

[Lamplighter]

Agreed, the distinction between the two words is not precise.
So, it's the colloquial use of the two words here in this thread,
and what Classic means when he uses them.

From your same source here is "belief"

1. something believed; an opinion or conviction: a belief that the earth is flat.
2. confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof: a statement unworthy of belief.
3. confidence; faith; trust: a child's belief in his parents.
4. a religious tenet or tenets; religious creed or faith: the Christian belief

[xoxoxoBruce]

I think this is what was being questioned, not her use of the word "belief"

Originally Posted by monster

and....?