A strong belief can motivate one to investigate and further extend knowledge on said belief, through more scientific means.
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Having some beliefs as a starting point in the discovery of 'truth' is necessary but not sufficient. Having beliefs that you will hold to, regardless of whatever comes, might in some ways hinder you. "Anything I observe MUST be wrong if it contradicts my already established and unshakeable belief." Not good. You have to blend belief with:
- The ability to discern distinct realms of thought and experience. If I am learning how a certain antibiotic works, must this knowledge be rigidly informed by, say, a religious belief? Am I flexible enough to separate the two approaches?
- The ability and eagerness to question everything, and the curiOSity to learn about as many things as I can. My beliefs may come through unscathed, or I may be able to understand that fundamental beliefs may not have to be (and perhaps cannot be) supported by other kinds of observations of the world.
- A willingness to understand that the idea of 'truth', or 'absolute truth', may work nicely in some contexts, and not so nicely in others.
- A great deal of comfort, even if temporarily, with ambiguity and contradiction. It is difficult for rigid thinkers to experience insight.
