They are desperately trying to convince themselves of what they know isn't true. I remember a conversation with someone when I was a kid where they insisted "Wouldn't you rather believe..." and I interrupted them and said "I'd rather believe what's true, even if I don't like it", and they couldn't respond.

I believe it's a series of steps. First I think some folks are afraid to die. That's usually the first hook, immortality. Then an appreciation of community or social acceptance and tribalism. Third at least a veneer of belief of ones participation in doing good or "gods work". At that point you just buy into the dogma, no matter it's bat shit crazy.

It's the conditioned mind that makes this possible.
But there are metaphysical realities that can be demonstrated.....right?? One has only to look at all thought east of Suez.

A desperate attempt to convince themselves…

Brainwashing from birth is why most people believe what they do. They are indoctrinated by their parents and this is then reinforced by clerics. Their superstition runs deep and critical thinking is something that is alien them as it is not encouraged, in fact it is positively discouraged!

You mean, like religion? You mean like Russell's tiny teapot theory?