The Nature of Belief

Why do we believe what we believe? It’s a philosophical question that has been asked for millennia, one that doesn’t have a simple answer.

There are countless forces that tie into it – where we were born, who our parents are, how we were raised, what we read, what we see, what we hear, who we spend time with, and even the chemical composition of our brains.

Often, we don’t slow down enough to take stock of our beliefs and reevaluate them. While that is an inherently valuable thing to do, something that gives us greater insights into ourselves and why we are the way we are, it’s even more important at a time when political divisions both seep into more of our lives and reach a level not seen since the American Civil War.

Regular readers of this column know that there are many things in which I believe, including inalienable civil rights; the right to quality, affordable healthcare, housing, economic opportunity, education and childcare; the power of rehabilitative justice, and equal access to the ballot box for all, regardless of race, income or zip code.

I wasn’t born with any of these beliefs, but I developed them as the world unfolded around me, and I was exposed to some of the most influential people in my life, beginning with my mom.

Growing up in Athens, we didn’t have a lot, even though I may not have realized that at the time. My mother would have sacrificed anything for me, my brother and sister to be even a little more comfortable, a mindset that she took to the entire community around us.

Even during the most difficult times, her kindness, compassion and generosity remind me to this day what is possible when we center our lives around love.

Second to my mom, the next great mentor I had in my life was the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. There is little that can be said about him that hasn’t already been covered in biographies, documentaries and interviews, but I count myself lucky to know the full man behind the legend.

Photo credit: Robin Jonathan Deutsch

Lewis rose to prominence because of his passionate belief in the inherent equality of all people, regardless of race. And even amidst all the awards and platitudes, he remained one of the humblest men I have ever known. He saw himself as just one thread in the tapestry of humankind, despite the fact that his thread pulled so many of the rest of ours together. His vision of a better world is the one I strive to play my small part in building.

Then, of course, there is former President Barack Obama, a man who inspired not just me, but an entire nation. I spent over a year working on his reelection campaign, crisscrossing the South and developing a deeper understanding of all the people who make up this country.

I believe at a minimum that the wealthiest nation in world history has a responsibility to guarantee basic comfort and security for every man, woman and child.

Having spent almost my entire life in Athens and Atlanta, it was both shocking and soothing to see parts of the country I had only ever heard of before. At the time, I had never seen the nation so divided (little did I know what the next decade would bring), but I also saw the fabric that connects us.

We may disagree on methods, but ultimately, almost everyone just wants their slice of the American dream – a house, a family, food on the table and the comfort of knowing that the next car repair or roof leak won’t bankrupt them. Obama won a commanding reelection that year by speaking to our common struggles, which I believe to this day is the way to bring people together.

What all these experiences taught me is that there is one principle that almost everyone agrees on: We have to take care of our own.

Who “our own” includes, however, is often where agreement starts to break down, not to mention the extent of that care. Because of how I was raised, what I have seen and who I have learned from, I believe at a minimum that the wealthiest nation in world history has a responsibility to guarantee basic comfort and security for every man, woman and child.

I believe “our own” includes everyone from my children to the people living in tents under the Interstate 75/85 overpass.

I believe all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and if you don’t believe that, all I want you to do is ask yourself – why not? 

Tharon Johnson can be seen Sunday mornings on The Georgia Gang on Fox 5 Atlanta. He received a Green Eyeshade award in journalism in 2023.