The Truth About Imposing Your Beliefs

It’s a sure-shot recipe for failure.

Vinod Kumar Kashyap
ILLUMINATION
3 min readJun 20, 2024

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Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash

Can you make someone believe what you believe? It is next to impossible. You can’t make someone think like you. You may have 100% belief in something.

But it’s a tough job to make someone believe in you. In India, we have many Gods. We are a culture-rich country. Everyone has their belief systems. Every person believes in a different God.

“Be brave to stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone.”
― Roy T. Bennett

Does that mean we should not care about others? No. The true beauty of our world lies in its diversity, including diverse belief systems.

Each belief is a unique thread in the rich fusion of human understanding.

If you believe in one God, continue cherishing that belief and respect and appreciate others.

But let’s not impose our beliefs on others. They may have different, equally valid beliefs about your God.

Imposing our beliefs can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and even the erosion of relationships.

It’s important to remember that our beliefs are personal and should not be forced upon others.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.”
― Noam Chomsky

If I take the example of my family, we all believe in different Gods. And yet, we are a happy, harmonious family.

I believe in Shiva, my wife believes in Krishna, and my parents believe in Baba Balak Nath Ji.

Our diverse beliefs have not hindered our love and respect for each other.

We all hold our beliefs close to our hearts. It’s not our place to make others believe what we believe.

Attempting to do so is not only futile but also disrespectful.

Each person’s beliefs are a part of their identity and should be treated with respect, even if they differ from ours.

“Beliefs are choices. First you choose your beliefs. Then your beliefs affect your choices.”
― Roy T. Bennett

In this case, you are making things worse. Sometimes, people don’t like to break their beliefs.

These beliefs are there from their childhood. These belief systems can be from any incident in their life.

One exception is when you have to make others believe what you believe is in sales. In sales, you must ensure others feel what you think; only then can you sell.

There’s a significant risk in trying to make others adopt your beliefs. As I mentioned earlier, attempting to convince someone that your God is superior to theirs can lead to adverse conditions. It’s best to avoid such scenarios.

No one wants to believe in what you think. People have their own beliefs. Refrain from repeating other people’s beliefs, especially those related to religion.

“Everyone has their own ways of expression. I believe we all have a lot to say, but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.”
― Criss Jami

You never know what created those beliefs in them. Maybe they have gotten something from that belief, which you are trying to break.

It will not only make you look bad, but you are creating a barrier between yourself and that person.

When it comes to belief, everyone has choices. No one wants to listen to you until there is solid proof or a strong reason. But be careful while doing it.

From your side, it may be logical. But you never know about the other person. How will he react when you try to break his belief?

Refrain yourself from it until it’s mandatory.

Trying to make others adopt your beliefs is not worth your energy. You are unique, and so are others.

Embrace your beliefs and move forward. It’s not necessary to challenge other people’s beliefs.

“Everyone believes very easily whatever he fears or desires.”
― Jean de La Fontaine

It’s a sure-shot recipe for failure.

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Vinod Kumar Kashyap
ILLUMINATION

Digital Writer & Storyteller | Bringing Visions to Life Through Premium Ghostwriting​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​