Credo, ero sum — I believe, therefore I am

 



René Descartes’ famous assertion, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), has long been celebrated as a triumph of rational certainty, a beacon of clarity in the murky waters of philosophical doubt. Yet, beneath this crystalline declaration lies a deeper, more primal truth: “Credo, ergo sum” (“I believe, therefore I am”). Far from being a secondary companion to thought, belief emerges as the foundational substrate that makes conscious reasoning possible. This article explores how belief underpins our existence, shapes our cognition, and constructs our lived experience, challenging us to reconsider the roots of our being.

The Hidden Faith in Cartesian Doubt

Descartes’ method of systematic doubt sought to dismantle all uncertain knowledge, leaving only an indubitable truth: the act of thinking proves existence. But this elegant process harbors an unspoken reliance on belief. To embark on his quest for certainty, Descartes had to trust — believe — in the reliability of his rational faculties, the coherence of logical principles, and the possibility that truth could be attained. Without this implicit faith, his method collapses.

This reveals a profound insight: belief precedes and enables thought. Every rational inquiry begins with assumptions — definitions, axioms, or convictions — that we accept as starting points. Whether it’s faith in the consistency of mathematics or the trustworthiness of our senses, these beliefs form the invisible scaffolding upon which the edifice of reason is built.

Language as a Window into Belief’s Role

The structure of language offers a subtle yet telling clue about the relationship between belief and thought. In English, we say we “think about” something, an active phrase that suggests a deliberate, malleable process. In contrast, we simply “believe,” a verb that conveys a state of being rather than an action. This linguistic distinction mirrors a deeper cognitive reality: beliefs are not mere thoughts we entertain; they are the underlying framework that defines the boundaries of our thinking.

Consider how this plays out in everyday life. A person who believes the world is just, will “think about” events differently than someone who believes it is chaotic. The former might interpret a misfortune as a temporary setback with a rational explanation, while the latter sees it as evidence of an unpredictable universe. Beliefs act as the operating system of the mind, determining which cognitive pathways are open and which remain closed.

Belief in the Realm of Psychology

The foundational role of belief finds practical confirmation in psychology, particularly in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT operates on the premise that our core beliefs — deeply held convictions about ourselves, others, and the world — shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These beliefs, often unconscious, form the lens through which we interpret reality. For instance, someone with a core belief of “I am unworthy” might perceive a neutral comment as criticism, triggering a cascade of negative thoughts and feelings.

CBT’s effectiveness lies in its ability to identify and challenge these beliefs, replacing them with healthier alternatives. Take the example of a person who believes “failure is unacceptable.” This conviction might lead to perfectionism, anxiety, and avoidance of risks. By reframing this belief to “failure is a natural part of growth,” their thought patterns shift, reducing emotional distress. This therapeutic process underscores that beliefs are not passive ideas but active architects of our mental landscape.

The Dynamic Dance of Belief and Thought

Belief provides the soil from which thought grows. However the relationship between the two is not one-sided and thoughts can, over time, cultivate and reshape beliefs. Education offers a clear example: exposure to scientific evidence might transform a belief in a flat Earth into an acceptance of a spherical one. Similarly, personal experiences — like a betrayal — can erode a belief in the inherent trustworthiness of others.

Yet, this interplay is complex and often asymmetrical. Beliefs, especially those tied to identity or security, resist change with remarkable tenacity. Cognitive dissonance theory illuminates this resistance: when faced with evidence that contradicts a cherished belief, we often rationalize or dismiss the contradictory information to preserve our mental coherence. This resilience highlights belief’s primacy; it is the anchor that thoughts must navigate around, even as they seek to shift it.

Belief as the Scaffold of Phenomenological Existence

Our subjective experience of the world — our phenomenological existence — is constructed upon an intricate web of beliefs. These convictions determine not just what we think, but what we perceive as real, possible, or meaningful. A belief in free will, for instance, fosters a sense of agency and responsibility, while a belief in determinism might cultivate a different relationship with choice and consequence. This web is not a mere collection of isolated ideas but an interconnected system that gives coherence and texture to our lived reality.

Consider how cultural beliefs shape perception at the most fundamental level. In societies that venerate communal harmony, individuals might naturally prioritize collective well-being over personal gain, interpreting self-serving acts as aberrations or moral failures. In contrast, a culture steeped in individualism might view the same acts as natural expressions of ambition and self-actualization. These belief systems frame not just our thoughts but our very experiences, proving that our consciousness rests not just on the capacity to think but on the beliefs that guide and give meaning to that capacity.

Addressing the Counterarguments

One might argue that thought precedes belief, as beliefs themselves appear to be products of cognitive processes. However, this perspective overlooks the recursive nature of cognition: to form even the simplest belief, one must first trust — believe — in the evidence or reasoning behind it. Even the most basic belief, like “the sun will rise tomorrow,” assumes a faith in the consistency of nature, a conviction that thought alone cannot justify without circularity.

Another critique can be that irrational beliefs undermine the primacy of belief. The same can be with critical thinking when it starts with incorrect premises/beliefs and this can be far more dangerous as it has now rationally concluded something completely erogenous. Thus, belief remains the deeper root, the foundation upon which even our most rigorous thinking stands.

“Credo, ergo sum” illuminates a truth that Descartes’ “Cogito” obscures: belief is the bedrock of our existence, the condition that makes thought possible. Far from a mere adjunct to reason, it is the hidden foundation upon which the cathedral of consciousness stands. Our beliefs shape our reality, guide our thoughts, and define who we are in ways both subtle and profound. By recognizing this primacy, we gain insight into the intricate dance of cognition and conviction, a perpetual interplay that forms the essence of our being. In believing, we are.

https://medium.com/@thevyom/credo-ero-sum-i-believe-therefore-i-am-f4aa584dca89

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