Prepare for Friday the Thirteenth - Why are we superstitious?
Years ago, I showed Darren Brown documentary to a psychology class I was lecturing. It discussed the notion that 'Bad Luck' was something we fabricated for ourselves as a belief system, Our 'Bad Luck' is story we tell ourselves about ourselves. (I've put a link at the end). When we 'hard-wire' certain events or situations into our views about luck, we call them superstitions.
People are superstitious for a variety of reasons, and
it can be understood through a combination of neurology, habit formation, and the narratives we hold.
Our brains are wired to seek patterns and make connections, which can lead to superstitious beliefs. When people experience a positive outcome after performing a certain action, their brains may release dopamine, reinforcing the behaviour. This neurological reward system encourages the repetition of superstitious rituals, as the brain associates them with success or safety. as well, we are convinced by what we see: Our Visual Reticulation System (VRS) convinces us about the world by seamlessly processing visual data. For instance, in the human eye, photoreceptors capture light, retinal cells transmit signals, and the brain interprets them, constructing a coherent visual perception. This interconnected system creates our perception of the external world. So if you see a black cat and something happens, you relate black cats to every potential mishap. It's the gift that keeps giving.
Superstitions also arise from habits that have been formed over time. If an individual engages in a specific behaviour or follows a ritual during a successful event, they may come to believe that these actions directly influenced the outcome. Over time, these habits become ingrained and difficult to break.
Superstitions are also perpetuated by the narratives we hold as a society or culture. Stories, myths, and anecdotes about the consequences of certain actions or beliefs are passed down through generations. These narratives can shape our perception of the world and reinforce superstitious thinking.
Generally people are superstitious because of the interplay between neurology, habit formation, and cultural narratives.
We naturally seek patterns and rewards, encouraging the development of superstitious beliefs.
Additionally, the stories and traditions passed down within our cultures can play a significant role in shaping our superstitious tendencies. Understanding these factors can help us appreciate the complexity of human behaviour and beliefs.
But bottom line - superstitions just seem to make life a little more interesting.
For some examples of superstitions, check out: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna45988346
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