Why do people feel the need to push their ideological beliefs on society instead of just minding their own business?
As with many political policies, people often use their own beliefs to justify their position. Why can't people think rationally enough to realize that even if they are totally for or against something, others might not be, and the society will never be at peace if we are all just pushing out own ideologies to be put into law.
A great example of this, and as we are seeing now with the current supreme court nominee, is the topic of abortion. Pro Life is a decision on the federal level while Pro Choice is the lack of a decision on the federal level. Wouldn't it be more rational to just let the individual make that decision themselves if we are to live in a free society?
Answers ( 1 )
Ego. I really think it just boils down to ego. Everyone feels that their beliefs are the best beliefs (this includes you, me, and the person reading this) but some people "know" their beliefs are the best. Armed with this "knowledge," they believe that there is no rationalizing a better belief/action because there isn't one. So they try to use their legal powers to force others to "know the truth."
Of course, I'm speaking as though I know anyone's motivations. I don't, but I do personally know extremists. This is absolutely in line with the belief systems of extremists and zealots. Reasonable people try to affect change without just outright demanding it, but of course, they aren't heard as clearly as the egoists.