Why do people assume things?
823903
It's, in part, how our brain learns.  That's why we're so fond of labels and categories. Example: If a small child is attacked by one dog - they're likely to develop a fear of all dogs. They see dog, they associate it with "attack". As adults, we sometimes do the same thing, sometimes without even meaning to. We see someone is pro-life - we automatically assume Christian because most of the most vocal pro-life supporters and groups out there are Christian-based. \n\nStereotyping is something we're all subject to and something we've all done at some point, unfortunately.
296457
People can find all sorts of reasons not to be confident. It helps to be sure of who you are and know what u believe in and are willing to fight for.
363257
they think they can tell how a person is by just looking at them. I've misjudged people many times only to find out that they're really good people. Eventually, I stopped doing that because judging someone usually ends up to be wrong.
214274
Because they are 'right' and the rest of us are 'wrong'.  They can't accept that people think differently than them is all.  So they think they are the 'rightous ones' and it inflates thier vanity and ego.
41906
People fear what they do not understand.  Often it is the folks who can't find a reason for their problems presume that things are different for them because other people are 'different'.\nBut this is a simple answer to a complex question.
575206
Because they are insecure. When people are insecure they become jealous. You can learn not to be jealous but it takes a lot of work and strength.
776774
People claim paranoia on your part out of fear of the unknown.\n\nWhat you are basically suggesting when you ask them about it is whether something out of the ordinary is taking place... which generally means something less inherantly predictable and understandable. \nSince people are afraid of what they don't understand, the last thing they want is for unpredictable circumstances of a potentially negative nature to be entering into their lives. As such they will try to blot such things out and deny their existence. Naturally if you are trying to tell them that such things are happening in the vicinity, whether it involves them or not, they see it as a potential threat and want to try and convince you that its not actually happening. \nThen again, they typically don't want to try and invest the time to convince you that it isn't real... especially when its more of an instinctual reaction than a well-reasoned one.... thus they will typically take the short route of immediately dismissing it as paranoia on your part, and telling you so.\n\nNaturally those who have already experienced it wouldn't be receiving any further disruption by your asking them about it.... but rather the fact that you too had witnessed the same thing as them would reassure them that it was more than just them at risk of the unknown... and moreover that more people experiencing it means more people to come to terms with it and understand it... thus making it less of a threat......... hence why THEY will agree and not cite it as paranoia.\n\n\nDoes that answer your question?
1173599
People are people. Sometimes that means they need to convince themselves there's a reason they were lucky, or that they had some sort of aid to keep them going, or even that all the terrible things that happened in the 'hard times' happened for a reason ("they must have, the world couldn't be that cruel"). People have been using gods or stories about them to explain everything from the weather to lines of succession probably since before recorded history, it's not really surprising some people still need this sort of reinforcement now.
698598
People like to put other people into groups, stereotyping, its makes them feel more comfortable if they think they understand the person and can expect a certain behaviour from them because they have grouped them into an area they think they belong. This assuming is not good and unfair, just because a person looks a certain way does not mean they should be classified.\nIts easier to form a negative opinion of someone than a positve one, if you think about it, we want proof that a person is a good guy but we are happy to think he is a bad guy based on well, nothing.\nI work in the community services field and we are not allowed to stereotype but even I find it difficult not to.\nI have to remind myself all the time " don't make assumptions"
717393
I think it's just because people have their own image of themself in their head that may not be realistic...
524041
i think most people want to think they have an opinion on something, so they just make stuff up without even knowing what they're talking about. they want to sound smart, but the SMART thing to do would be to know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.\n\nbut about your problem. would it be bad to ask the people their opinions and just tell them you don't feel like you know enough about it yet to have an opinion? maybe they'll tell you a little about it and you'll learn about it so you WILL have an opinion the next time. just ask them.
971815
Because some of these people have been told from the day they were born that this is the way it is and not to ask questions.  When you are told something your entire life you tend to believe it.  If your parents, friend, family and everyone in your little world  all believe the same thing...why would you ever doubt it.  Have you seen The Island?  Why did everyone believe in and want to go to the Island?
605610
It's because people think they are right and when someone questions their beliefs even a little it scares them.\n\nDiffering opinions should be seen as an opportunity.  They will either change you or support what you believe... they are not about anger and fear.
458565
It is because their beliefs don't seem to have a logical basis.  However, it is the task of evolved people such as yourself to respect other peoples beliefs even if they disagree with yours.
1034293
Because some people are ignorant hypocrites.
651028
You are thinking how unlikely someone is going to be able to guess what you are thinking
1096050
Because people interpret things differently