The first step on the Eightfold Path is right views, or the correct Buddhist interpretation of the world and humankind. People of learning and wisdom in the ways of Buddhism who apply the Eightfold Path as a system of self-improvement may safely be assumed to have already a correct Buddhist view of humankind and the world. People who come to Buddhism through faith instead of learning can be expected to have entrusted themselves to the Buddha, the Law, and the Order and to have faith in the precepts. In other words, they too already view the world and humankind in the Buddhist way.
Basic Buddhist Concepts