In the Land of Beleivers

              When someone states “I believe”, especially in an argumentative sense, it is often done to create a wall of defense. If an individual who is reading the statement disagrees, the phrase ends up being mediating, allowing the other person to disagree and hold their own unique opinion. I personally am non-confrontational and when I use this phrase it makes me feel as though people will be less offended or angry if they disagree with an argument I have made. This is not to say, however, that I think using this in persuasive writing is effective, because it is quite the contrary. When “I believe” is added prior to or following an argument, it immediately loses credibility because it comes across more as an opinion than concrete factual evidence. Arguments would be far more effective if fillers such as “I think”, “I feel” and “I believe” were eliminated all together, but this is more easily said than done.

            In fact, as I am typing this blog post I have repeatedly been struggling to remember not to include one of these sayings, for I am a repetitive offender of this phenomenon. While making your opinions perhaps slightly less harsh or offensive to others, and offering others the option to disagree, one is also lessening the option that the audience will then be convinced by the argument at hand. Ultimately, these types of statements detract from the overall quality of writing. With this being said, they are difficult to eliminate because everyone has some level of pride that leads them to take ownership of their thoughts, and create a façade of confidence surrounding them. As far as my personal beliefs in regard to life in general, I would have to say that my big “so what” is centered entirely upon personal ties and relationships.

            Relationships in general are the most important aspect in anyone’s life, or at least they should be, for any success cannot be admired or celebrated if there is no one beside you to celebrate with. If people do not surround themselves with others who mean the world to them, their life essentially loses its meaning. The most successful individual may have all of the money and power in the world, but if he or she goes home to an empty house every night, and has never built bonds with others, all of his or her success loses meaning. By delivering this idea which means so much in my personal everyday life without including an “I believe”, the argument gains validity, and more easily allows others to identify with it.