Normally, we desire a sense of certainty regarding our lifestyles, daily affairs, and economic movements. One of the main functions of the state is to convey this sense of certainty to its citizens. There have been long periods of stability for many nations throughout history. This sense of certainty makes us feel that we have solid ground; on this ground we can preserve what we have and pursue more dreams. Our homes, jobs, and savings make us think we are in control of our lives and that we are safe.
The same feeling can be found in friendships, in one’s relationships with a community, and especially through faith in theistic religions. This means that many of the lifestyles we seek for ourselves, including our belief systems, provide us with firm rules and absolute truths, enabling us to resist anxiety. At the same time, conspiracy theories give us simple explanations for complex phenomena. Each of them is just the result of our expectation to see ahead in the future.
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