How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living
Book Byte #380
Curious Quotes from the Book
“Rituals are central to virtually all of our social institutions. Think of a judge waving a gavel or a new president taking an oath of office,” he writes. They are held by militaries, governments and corporations, in initiation ceremonies, parades, and costly displays of commitment. They are used by athletes who always wear the same socks in important games, and by gamblers who kiss the dice or cling on to lucky charms when the stakes are high.”
“…one consequence of this cognitive architecture is that when our predictive potential is limited –that is, when there is high uncertainty- we experience anxiety. Our predictive brain does not like unpredictability. This is where ritual comes in.”
“Research shows that people enjoy eating with others more than eating alone, and that food tastes better when consumed in the company of others. From infancy, eating food together is perceived as a cue for social connection. Those who share food are seen as more friendly and intimate. Moreover, those who eat together trust each other more and collaborate more efficiently.”
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“Costly rituals help communities grow stronger, and this can have major implications for their long-term survival and prosperity.”
“The logic behind these initiations provides an efficient solution to a pressing cooperation dilemma: in order for a group to survive, it must rely on the loyalty of its members.”
“Ceremony is a primordial part of human nature, one that helps us connect, find meaning and discover who we are: we are the ritual species.”
“As we have seen, rituals play important psychological functions. Thanks to their highly structured and reliably predictable nature, they serve as an anchor in the storm that is our world. By providing a sense of order and control over the frequently disorderly and uncontrollable situations we face in our daily lives, they help us cope with anxiety. Moreover, engaging in regular ritual activities requires effort and commitment, which helps performers practice discipline and strengthen self-control.”
“Ritual practices such as fire-walking, snake-handling or bodily mutilation pose significant dangers to their practitioners, including physical harm, infection and, in extreme cases, even death. It is precisely thanks to these costs that rituals are able to function as reliable signals.”
Cognition of the Books Idea
Rituals are significant tools that influence human behavior and connection. They unite people through shared experiences, increase generosity, and reduce stress. Even simple rituals like pre-game routines provide comfort and focus. Rituals can strengthen bonds within groups but also create divisions. They transform chaos into calm, helping navigate challenges. Understanding rituals reveals their role in shaping emotions and human relationships.
Until Tomorrow,
Jason Ziebarth (Founder Club255)
JZ#391