Why Do People Believe What They Do?

I have long wondered why otherwise sensible friends have political beliefs that differ from mine. And they have probably wondered the same about me. There are so many influences from family tradition, to economic status, to religious upbringing that it is difficult to isolate a single cause for a person's beliefs. And beliefs can apparently change rapidly - witness the change in public support for Obama from 2008 to 2010.

In this blog I will ruminate on things I have seen and read that bear on this question. Although I am a liberal Democrat, I am not sure what caused me to believe that a government should provide opportunities for its citizens so I will also explore what is known about the development of political belief. Whatever writing occurs here will be mostly my record of searching for understanding. If anyone happens to read this and has comments they will be welcomed.