First, I ask myself "what is the likelihood this belief necessitate actions which may cause harm that cannot be undone?" The higher the likelihood the less I am drawn to adopt the belief. Some religious and political thinkers hold beliefs that they say mandate killing people, for example.

Second, I ask myself "how much do I need to hold a belief in this area at all?" The lower the need the less I am drawn to adopt the belief. I am not a Hindu or a Republican and it matters to me not at all if a particular belief is for or against my being a Hindu or a Republican.

Third, I ask "will I regret not trying this belief more than I regret trying it?" Temporarily adoping beliefs to stress-test them has yielded fantastic positive results and cost only the shedding prior false or incomplete beliefs.

None of these questions are often asked in such stark terms but they are in my mind in some way.