Clarifying Conviction

I've been doing some thinking...about the convictions we adopt and modify over the years of our lives. And I guess I've been thinking about how we need to evaluate the roots of those convictions on occasion. Here's why...I think some of the things we believe and act on can actually come less from enlightenment and more from rebellion. You know what I mean? I guess that type of basis for life tenets is...well, immature. Likely, it also permits a selfishness that we decide to let ourselves get away with. Hmm...and that's not a pretty picture of conviction when the chips are down.