Has Your Belief Changed From Youth to Now: Reflections on Nationalism, Religion, and the Free Market

It is not uncommon for people's beliefs and opinions to shift over time, especially as they grow, develop, and encounter different perspectives and experiences. In this reflection, I share my personal journey, emphasizing how my views on religion, nationalism, and the free market have changed from my youth to now. These shifts have not just been about changing my mind but also about understanding why my beliefs evolved.

Religion vs. Secularism

When I was younger, I was deeply involved in religion, particularly Islam. I believed in it unequivocally and embraced its tenets with zeal. Today, however, I have become less religious. I have distanced myself from organized religion, realizing that there are far more complex and diverse ways to understand the world and our place in it.

While I may have lost my religious beliefs, I do not entirely reject the importance of spiritual thinking. Instead, I have become more traditionalist. On platforms like Quora, I actively defend the idea of preserving cultural and traditional values. This shift can be both baffling and enlightening, but life is often full of such paradoxes and complexities.

From Globalist to Localist

My youthful optimism towards a united global government overseeing the world's affairs has given way to a more critical stance. Just as my religious beliefs have faded, the idea that nations could seamlessly merge into larger entities to better govern the world has become an impossible dream.

The dream of a single world government like a more powerful United Nations has since been replaced with a newfound appreciation for the diversification of cultures and identities. While nations banding together under a global entity may have seemed like the solution to creating a better world, in retrospect, it might have been too simplistic and potentially detrimental.

The End of Socialism and the Triumph of the Free Market

My worldview has also shifted in terms of economic ideology. While I was never a full-fledged socialist, I did have a place for controlled markets and a degree of government intervention. For instance, the idea of government-owned enterprises such as oil companies resonated with me because it felt like a way to ensure that the benefits of natural resources were more equitably distributed.

However, my current stance on the free market is one of unswerving faith. I am a technocrat, and while I acknowledge the flaws of both the government and the private sector, I firmly believe that there is no better mechanism for resource allocation and economic decision-making than the free market. The idea of a group of experts or technocrats making decisions about economic matters falls short in comparison to the collective wisdom of millions of individuals making choices about their daily lives.

Embracing Skepticism and the Power of Reason

In reflecting on my journey, I have come to understand why my beliefs changed. It was during my youth that I was often hoodwinked by those claiming to know things I did not and to have the power to guide me. While I did not blindly follow their every command, I did have moments where I was tempted by their arguments and charisma.

Ultimately, my disillusionment with these charlatans led to a more skeptical and rational approach to life. I came to see that not all knowledge is inherently correct, and that power should be wielded with caution and accountability. This skepticism has contributed to my current conviction in the free market and the power of traditional values to enrich our lives.

Life, as complex and often contradictory as it is, has taught me that change is a natural and sometimes necessary part of personal growth and societal progress. As I continue to evolve, I remain open to new ideas and perspectives, always striving to understand the world in a deeper and more nuanced manner.