Why did they believe?

The belief often stems from a combination of personal experiences, cultural influences, and societal norms that shape an individual's worldview. Emotional connections to certain ideas, along with the validation received from community or family, can reinforce those beliefs. Additionally, cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can lead people to seek out information that supports their existing views while dismissing contradictory evidence. Ultimately, belief is a complex interplay of psychology, social dynamics, and environmental factors.