What is a key factor in personal belief formation?

Life experiences play a pivotal role in the formation of personal beliefs, as they encompass a wide array of events, interactions, and observations that shape an individual's understanding of the world. From childhood to adulthood, people encounter different situations that can significantly influence their perspectives, attitudes, and values.

For instance, experiences related to family, education, cultural background, and community can all contribute to the beliefs a person holds. These experiences can reinforce existing beliefs or challenge them, leading to personal growth and changes in worldview. Additionally, the emotional responses tied to these experiences can make certain beliefs more salient or deeply embedded.

While professional feedback, financial status, and social media influence can indeed affect one's beliefs, they generally do so as a result of or in conjunction with life experiences. Life experiences are foundational, providing the context and framework through which other factors are interpreted and understood.