I'm not sure the atom analogy works—it's unclear to me that there exists some foundational belief without which I would not exist. It seems that I am the sum of my parts, and it is through their interaction that the concept of myself emerges.
Thanks for this helpful comment. I don't think that there is a single belief that defines us, but a system of foundational beliefs as you suggested. I would like to leave the structure of these beliefs open, such that someone can try to reduce them all to one core belief if they prefer that way of conceiving of themselves.
I'm not sure the atom analogy works—it's unclear to me that there exists some foundational belief without which I would not exist. It seems that I am the sum of my parts, and it is through their interaction that the concept of myself emerges.
Thanks for this helpful comment. I don't think that there is a single belief that defines us, but a system of foundational beliefs as you suggested. I would like to leave the structure of these beliefs open, such that someone can try to reduce them all to one core belief if they prefer that way of conceiving of themselves.