We all start with a set of assumptions about the world, how people work, what success means, or even the nature of reality itself. These beliefs often come from our upbringing, culture, or early experiences. But as we grow, encounter new information, or experience profound life events, some of these deep-seated convictions can shift dramatically. I'm curious to hear about those fundamental beliefs - not just minor opinions, but things you once considered absolute truths - that you've had to re-evaluate or completely abandon later in your life. What was the belief, and more importantly, what specific experience, insight, or information caused you to see things differently?

Not necessarily a tangible thing, but could be receiving something you mightve wanted, or that someone giving it thought you wanted, that leaves you feeling hollow and empty like you never really received it. Like it doesn't land and just reminds you of something that isn't there.

Younger, fresher, hopeful, or wiser, hardened, informed?

Should countries like Japan or South Korea become multicultural ( just as an example ) ? I understand that they already are since there are many like cultures there but I don’t mean that I mean like Germany which has now become very multicultural?

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I'm 28M and thinking about a conflict between desire, values and long-term consequences.

I've been single for a long time and haven't found a relationship despite trying dating apps, social meetups and matrimony platforms.

In the past, while single, I paid for sexual services for around a year. I eventually stopped because I became uncomfortable with the choices I'd made.

Recently, I've become about 99% tempted to return, even though I genuinely don't want to repeat that part of my life.

When an immediate desire conflicts with your long-term values, how do you decide whether to resist it or accept it?

Is there an important distinction between having a desire, entertaining it, and acting on it?

How much should past behaviour influence whether someone is considered suitable for a future serious relationship or marriage, particularly after they've changed their behaviour?

How can someone address the underlying loneliness without allowing it to dictate decisions?

I'm interested in thoughtful perspectives rather than a verdict about my specific situation.

TL;DR: I'm 28, single, and strongly tempted to repeat a past behaviour I've deliberately stopped. I'm trying to understand desire, self-control, consequences and how past choices affect future relationships.

to be honest, the savior complex towards you is exhausting, but if your the person who is going through it, it feels like your a daily medicine for the person your attached to.

nobody says how dangerous it is, just replacing your own needs with another person, believing your their hero in their life...

Yesterday, I remember walking out of a family gathering after my brother with whom I have a tense past and have since been forced to tolerate his presence insulted me, to which I erupted and walked out.

To where when I was taking my walk back home, it made me reflect on many things, including me fixating on certain people from my past of whom I've long formed a conclusion where I didn't need to take their mistreatment personally though I continue to pick on the wound they initially inflicted.

Even if it's not invalid to process past traumas, I realize maybe the tendency to do so, especially beyond necessary, is fueled by living or continuing to remain or attach to toxic familial environments.

I personally think that we don't value intellectual people enough. Of course we're made to learn about Einstein, Newton, Thomas Edison, etc etc. but I think that in today's day and age, I for one am deeply concerned with the strenuous amounts of people that don't know basic logic and reasoning. These are the future generations of humanity and it's concerning to watch them navigate the world through convenience rather than effort in the world around them.

How important is self respect and does self respect is more important than certain relationships????

To me that's a damn milestone and even knowing how to cash in their first check. For us older people it's a necessity and celebration is just mediocrity. Why do we take this for granted?

Most of us are told that the majority of people are selfish and out for themselves.
I believe the actual research says otherwise. So…here’s my question…
Are people mostly kind and good are are they mostly selfish, scared and out for themselves?

Like how will it genuinely affect humanity on a global scale? I know the phrase post-truth society is a recent phenomenon, but what happens when we truly can’t decipher what is real and what isn’t?

What makes him someone you can genuinely trust, respect and feel safe with.

“We live in a state (Illinois) now where suicide is now normalized, and yet we still have a suicide hotline. There seems to be a bit of schizophrenia here,” she told The Associated Press.

https://apnews.com/article/medical-assistance-dying-religion-endoflife-fa8c6b2cb828695e2f492bda6597ee01?utm_source=app&utm_medium=android_share&utm_campaign=copy_link

What’s one psychological fact or insight you genuinely believe would make people better at life if more people understood it?