Beliefs may operate out of our awareness, meaning unless we identify them consciously they could be there without us knowing. One interesting example of how beliefs shape our 'perception' of experience is with food: There are some humans in world (perhaps somewhere in China) where eating dogs is considered a nice meal - in the west we may typically 'perceive' (believe) this to be abhorent.  Its the difference in belief that shapes the difference in experience in this context (or the First Access).  This belief could be so automated that its operating outside of a person's awareness.    Similarly, we could be eating a steak, and enjoying the meal in India.. which could be 'perceived' (believed) to be abhorent by many humans there.  Again there's no change in first access, but the beliefs are organising the perceptions of the experience. Is it truly possible to abstain completely from such beliefs and values?  What about beliefs that operate outside of our consciousness, unless we do some work to be conscious of them.. we may not even be aware of their influence on our perception ... How fast a human can run? The world is flat or round?  Male or female roles? Even if you assume beliefs are an artifial construct they may still be mental constructs, morays ways of perceiving (beliefs) that have an unconscious organisation of our perceptions and behavior...  Beliefs are created by experiences or imagination that inform them.... Also some people engage in long-term and persistant behavior that results in achieving desired outcomes, that have no immediate feedback at FA that such behaviors will result in successful outcomes?  If this behavior is not motivated by belief or similar strong conviction in achieving a desirable outcome, what is involved in generating the sustenance?   If this is 'acting as if' as opposed to believing.. what is the key difference?  What are the key differences between a desired outcome and a value. GSM