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Thoughts X

On theory and belief.  Theories are containers of our beliefs, ideas, and sometimes desires.  They are our vessels of  understanding.  There are levels and criteria for acceptance of theories.
  • When a theory is believable it gets believed. 
  • When a theory fits with one's beliefs it gets believed.
  • When a theory is believable and refutes another but undesired theory, it gets accepted. 
Others:
  • When a new theory conflicts with an older and accepted one, it will not be accepted.
  • When two theories collide, there results a conflict between the proponents. When power intervenes, it suspends the search for truth. 
  • When a theory recruits power, open investigation is suppressed.

Included are theories of religions of various types, genetics, anthropology, disease, climate change, physics (M-Theory), astronomy, i.e. origins of almost anything. Many have fallen from favor including previous theories of matter, disease, astrology, polytheism, astronomy, alchemy, and more.

On power.  Of the many types of people that seek power, consider these somewhat overlapping motives
A. Those that wish to achieve power for some particular goal, such as to achieve.
B. Those that wish to enjoy power as a possession - compare as a toy.
C. Those that wish to amass wealth, punish rivals, or be more competitive.
D. Those that wish to defeat extant power for survival.

At least four of the seven deadly sins (wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony)  involve power to some degree. 
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