How does a person's mind really work?

I'm not asking about the scientific definition of electric signals, odd behaviors due to scars and all that nonsense. I'm asking about what actually goes through a person's mind to make them follow through with actions and decisions, no matter how dangerous, stupid, or hypocritical they may be.

I see people going around saying how everything is equal in that all is the same, so that all must be treated equally and the same (don't you just hate politicians?). Then I take a look down the street, and I can't see what on Earth, the 7 Heavens and 13 Hells he's talking about. I see Goths being avoided by everyone else while being given odd/dirty looks, and children being pulled away by their parents; Christians walking around with their crosses, "decent" clothing, and practically carrying bible and microphone in hand while preaching "God's words," all while claiming they're only telling the truth to those who are wanting to hear it; the poor sitting on corners, trying to get a dollar change for a meal and being told to go get a job and a real life; rich men walking around in their business suits and talking of how great it is that everyone is treated equally, while ignoring the poor man in rags sitting against the wall behind him.

People are so hypocritical of themselves and others, it's unbelievable. How can one's mind possibly work this way, and in such large numbers? It is obvious we are NOT all the same and equal, so why say such a thing at all? Do they even realise what they are saying, just acting to rise to someone elses expectations of them, or are they really trained so well by whoever raised them that they really don't understand what they're saying and doing to others? If that is the case, what is going through the minds of those who raise such children, or are they simply following a set out pattern that was followed for them as well? Then who started the pattern (to control others, obviously)?

Because its a good line mostly, backed up by the law in the majority of areas as well just not by society as a whole.Its a comfortable myth for people to believe in, one of many.
Patterns are best made to control random behavour.A certain method is put into place and then degenerates chinese whisper style through the generations with the odd consistant rebellion here and there, sometimes doing more harm than good.

Yes, it is a good line and gives some people comfort, but then aren't they making themselves blind to those who do not take comfort in it, and cruel by pushing those who are so away? It seems that they are the ones breaking that code while believing in it.

The fact I'm trying to point question, though, is what they are thinking that can make them follow through such a thing, not that they are. In that paragraph you so kindly quoted, I was trying to give an idea of how many people simply do not think on their own free will, instead following what is set out for them without questioning it.

I'm not sure if this is what you were looking for but answering your question: How does a persons mind really work?

I think everyone is selflish, everything they do is for self-gratification. People will do anything to avoid pain being inflicted upon themselves.
Prove me wrong if you want to... I dont mind, infact I'd like some one too.

And all I can say about christanity is alot of christains are hypocrites ('alot' not all), just look at the preists of the Vaticin(sp?) they think poverty is living in a palace, wearing gold laced robes and sceptars, hiding away art thats worth millions of dollars whislt many of they're followers are living in real poverty. I don't understand it.
Who started the pattern? thats something I'd like to know

Thanks, Rave! That was exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I have to agree with your answer. it's pitiful, and sad, but that seems to be how people really are. Not all, though. Some actually seem to stop and think about what's happening to others. Too bad those types of people are in short supply.

As for the Christians, I've never really met a lot of them. Most of the people who believe in "the Son, the Father, and the Holy Ghost" are Mormons and Baptists, and the Christians I knew were as described above. I don't mean to make it sound like I'm generalizing all Christians into one group. That's just.. *shudders*

I find that to be both stereotypical and wrong. I highly resent that remark.

Its quite obvious that you don't understand it. And the people you speak of are more specifically Catholic. Large difference there.

Yes, it does sound like that. And you are, if you've mostly only met mormons and baptists like you said.

I hate the generalizing that goes along with religion. Especially here. I'm a Christian (don't attend church) and I have friends from many different religions, including Wicca. None of them have I ever tried to convert; I try to learn what I can about their religion. I thirst for knowledge and understanding. I wish to know what else is out there. I see insults at Christianity all the time, especially here. I don't insult your religions. I'm more than likely friends with someone who is a part of your religion.

I despise this, and anyone who attacks my religion (or any other, for that matter) with generalizations is not worth a damn in my eyes. At least understand it before you criticize.

I apoligize for going off-topic. But I felt this needed to be said.

The thing is thefinalw0rd catholics are christians. At least I thought so I thought the definition of christian was to belive that Jesus was the son of god, our saviour and so on? Cathloicism is a branch of christianity, just like anglicans and lutertherians.. at least thats what I thought anyways???
Im sorry for offending you, I didnt intend to, and personally I am christian aswell I just dont belive in church. I didnt attack your reliegion but the church, and Im sorry again if it sounded that way.

Yes, its a branch. Its also organized quite differently. It doesn't seem like much difference....but its there.

I'm a non-church christian as well...my issue is that, by your description, you were lumping all of Christianity into Catholicism. Keep in mind, its only the Catholic faith that is concerned with the Pope and the rest in the vatican.

Ah got the answer you wanted.Case closed.
Why exactly do they call the US the land of opportunity?I remember a answer to this but I want more.
I`m sorry finalw0rd, that wasnt the answer we were looking for.You no longer have the chance to see whats behind curtain number 3.

...what?

*scratches head* beats me... price is right fans?

Beats me...at least I still have a shot at the Showcase Showdown.

if i may something off-topic for just a second, although i do not justify an type prejudicism, i do justify stereotypes.....for, although stereotypes tend to bring resentment, stereotypes are also justified in the aspect that they are seen as thus.....i do not agree with strict p.c. crap, but i also do not advocate extreme prejudice.....for example, i am stereotypical towards blacks because i have seen ghetto people and they live up to their name, however i can also party with black people; also, i am stereotypical towards rednecks because i live in small farming community with a large contribution towrds the kkk, however i can party with rednecks.....all i am saying is i am stereotypical towards everyone, but not someone....it might not be wise for me to do so, and it may be wrong, but i do not believe p.c. is the way to be, because i would hope that no one would ever credit everybody as equal, because it is merely a dream trying to crush reality....

which brings me to the topic, everyone is hypocritical in some way; even the most p.c. person is stereotypical in some aspect...and the mere fact is that the rich man, the poor man, the christian, the satanist, the jew, the white, the black, the preppy, the gothic, the p.c., and the hater, are all equal in the fact that they all are stereotyped.....for labelling itself is a stereotype in some form.....

ah, but stereotypes are just easy groupings based on a few traits... it is debasing and we should strive to be above it...

ah, true, but as you said it is based on traits which do exist.....existence as reality is the key, not existence as a dream for a reality