This question is a good one in describing the reality that beliefs create a kind of hierarchy. There are indeed root beliefs that are foundational, that build onto them a superstructure of subsidiary beliefs that are a logical branching but connected in some way to that fundamental root belief. This serves a quite useful purpose because much of human conduct is based on beliefs people hold, which will shape their thinking, their very thoughts, feelings, and ultimately choices and actions in conducting their life on all levels.
Indeed, it is extremely difficult to act in opposition to one's beliefs so they become all‑important in charting your destiny. The key is knowing that not all beliefs belong where they reside. Some are faulty to begin with, and created through manipulations or unhealthy encounters with others that leave a scar, and create a faulty view of the world. A woman who is assaulted may come away believing "men are evil" when such is not the case, only that subset who assault women. Categorical beliefs are often a mixed blessing. Even as they guide thinking and actions, they can easily misguide when referenced out of habit, or simply having been put in place first and then form a ruling hierarchy that will be followed by default, rather than a system where beliefs can be readily reworked, dispensed with if they no longer serve the person, and readily replaced with a superior outlook consisting of more flexible beliefs, and especially more carefully defined and qualified beliefs.
Unfortunately, it is a rare individual with the flexibility to modify their beliefs through self-analysis alone. There is wisdom in having stability. In a physical environment filled with hazards, it is imperative that a life lesson, once learned, remains in place because you might not get a second chance to learn the hard way, and must head off misfortune, and will do so based on that hard-won learning of a threat that was sidestepped or surmounted, through good fortune, but can't be counted on to work in one's favor always. This is the wisdom of the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," "Forewarned is forearmed," and so on, all speak to having inner beliefs learned from life experience to hold dear and act on them automatically. So knowing where beliefs come from as well as the possibility of changing them for the better is a way forward that will lead to enlightenment of humanity.
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