What does "mental mold built of beliefs" in this paragraph?
Here is the sentence:
"The first impression becomes an idea of how someone is, like a mental mold built of beliefs, and people then nonconsciously look for confirmation of those initial beliefs while discarding details that might contradict them. Supposedly, we form an opinion of someone during the first three seconds of meeting them. Then, during the following 30 seconds, we shape up that initial impression and try to fit whatever new information that comes up into reinforcing that first impression."
Can you explain the meaning of the expression "mental mold built of beliefs"? Thank!

Question

What does "mental mold built of beliefs" in this paragraph?
Here is the sentence:
"The first impression becomes an idea of how someone is, like a mental mold built of beliefs, and people then nonconsciously look for confirmation of those initial beliefs while discarding details that might contradict them. Supposedly, we form an opinion of someone during the first three seconds of meeting them. Then, during the following 30 seconds, we shape up that initial impression and try to fit whatever new information that comes up into reinforcing that first impression."
 Can you explain the meaning of the expression "mental mold built of beliefs"? Thank!

Answer

A "mold" (or "mould" in BE) can be a framework used to construct something. So a "mental mold" is a framework used to construct thoughts. Beliefs are ideas and values that we hold, so a "mental mold built of beliefs" means "a framework, for understanding the world around us, constructed by/of our ideas, beliefs and life experiences."

Answers · 1

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!