Which is to say, the brain equates beliefs to truths, which is an extremely difficult-to-overcome fallacy. (And, I suspect, therein lies the solution, if there is one.) Paradoxically, of course, life also wouldn't really be all that practical to live out if our brains didn't make such an overly simplistic jump.

So, yea, not really disagreeing with you on the cognitive capabilities part. But I'm also not convinced there's no such belief structure out there that isn't capable of solving this pickle. Implementing and spreading said system of beliefs - if it exists and without starting a bunch of wars in the process, of course - is the harder part.

In fact this construct is the basis for the illusion of the self - so it's inextricably linked to the human experience. The idea of an unbroken consciousness relies on a forward projection of a "future self" that is consistent with past experience. Practically, this construct is incompatible with objective experience because of our limitations for recall and "objective" evaluation of experience.

But I'm also not convinced there's no such belief structure out there that isn't capable of solving this pickle.

I don't think it's a belief structure that is needed - it's deeper than we can manifest so we need something to augment our limited capability.

[edit] On your first point: we can't ever really know The Truth (about any big meta issues)

I think that's true from an epistemic perspective, but I think we can reduce the uncertainty of variability around truth with enough inputs about causal factors in whatever event/issue is being evaluated.

The system of mindfulness, and Eckart Tolle, in particular talk about looking for the consciousness behind the thoughts, removing attachment from your ego and possessions (not to ignore the utility, just in the sense of identity through consumption) and living in the present moment, free of the depression from the past or anxiety of the future.