Being able to get beyond the here and now is a central human property, but space/time challenges are often problematic. We know what's occurring here, but we're not sure about there; and although we know about the past and present, the future is an enigma.

Enter belief and faith, cognitive properties that allow us to function without space/time certainty. Belief allows us to make assumptions and act when we can't accurately predict the outcome of a looming physical or interpersonal event, and faith basically represents our level of confidence in our beliefs and decisions.

For example, we're not certain of the eventual wisdom of our choices when we order from a menu, vote in an election, or get married. We thus base our decision on past experience, the advice of others, personal preferences and prejudices and sometimes on the flip of a coin.

The results throughout life are a mixed bag, but most such decisions don't have serious consequences. It's typically not life shattering if we later regret a menu choice or waste a few dollars on a recommended film we didn't enjoy.

Some decisions are important however; so the many religious, political, cultural, and economic belief systems that humans subscribe to are useful in that they provide a general framework that simplifies decision-making in that domain. For example, we'll vote for candidates we don't really know well because they represent our preferred political party.

Our beliefs about natural phenomena and human relationships don't have to be correct. To persist, they only have to help us survive challenges, simplify our life, and develop a sense of optimism about the future.