Superstition to Hoax

Believed are true and what to do?

Superstition refers to a belief or practice not based on agreed-upon reason or evidence but on supernatural or magical thinking. Superstitions can take many forms, such as believing in lucky or unlucky numbers, avoiding specific actions or objects, or performing rituals or spells to bring good luck or ward off bad luck.

"Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational - but how much does it cost you to knock on wood?" - Judith Viorst.

Superstitions are often rooted in cultural or religious beliefs and can be passed down through generations. They are also influenced by personal experiences or anecdotes. For example, someone might believe that carrying a rabbit's foot brings good luck because they once had a successful day while holding one.

"History warns us that it is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions." - Thomas Huxley.

Despite their seemingly harmless nature, superstitions can lead to significant harm. For instance, an individual who believes in their own 'bad luck' might develop anxiety or start avoiding risks, thereby stunting their personal growth and limiting their opportunities. Moreover, superstitions can trigger irrational behavior, such as avoiding black cats or walking under ladders, which can harm one's daily life.

"There are people who think that honesty is always the best policy. This is a superstition. There are times when the appearance of it is worth six of it." - Mark Twain.

It's crucial to differentiate between superstition and rational thinking. While superstitions might offer comfort or control, they are not grounded in evidence or reason. A couple hundred years of it, however, becomes a true statement. Instead, relying on critical thinking and evidence-based practices is empowering to make informed decisions and navigate the world responsibly. Realize every superstition or myth is true before it is seen or understood as a myth or superstition. Remember, everything that is true has the other side 'false' attached. How often you get to that side is based on what you believe without question. Plenty of current superstitions exist that, a hundred years from now, people will not be able to understand or know how anyone would believe them.

"The office of reformer of the superstitions of a nation is ever dangerous." - Thomas Jefferson.

A hoax is a deliberately fabricated or misleading story or information intended to deceive or trick people. Hoaxes can take many forms, such as fake news articles, photoshopped images, or viral social media posts. They can be created for various reasons, such as to gain attention, spread propaganda, or harm individuals or groups.

"A visitor to Niels Bohr's country cottage, noticing a horseshoe hanging on the wall, teasing the eminent scientist about this ancient superstition. "Can it be true that you, of all people, believe it will bring you luck?'

'Of course not,' replied Bohr, 'but I understand it brings you luck whether you believe it or not.'" - Niels Bohr.

Hoaxes are not mere pranks; they can have severe and immediate repercussions. They can damage reputations, incite panic or fear, and even cause financial loss. For instance, a hoax about a terrorist attack or natural disaster can lead to unnecessary evacuations. In contrast, a financial hoax can mislead investors into making poor decisions and losing money, potentially leading to economic instability. The impact of hoaxes in politics is also significant, with numerous instances of misinformation affecting public opinion and decision-making.

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." - Helen Keller.

Hoaxes can be challenging to identify, as they often mimic legitimate sources of information and use persuasive language or imagery to gain credibility. However, there are several ways to spot a hoax, such as checking the source of the information, verifying the facts with reputable sources, and being skeptical of sensational or emotionally charged language. Extremely difficult when you have a mythical belief in the veracity of the news you buy each day.

"A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education." - George Bernard Shaw.

It's crucial to be vigilant about hoaxes and take steps to avoid spreading false information. This includes fact-checking information and its sources before sharing it, which empowers you to be an intelligent consumer of information. Being skeptical of sensational or emotionally charged language and reporting hoaxes to appropriate authorities or platforms are crucial steps in this process. Doing so contributes to a more informed and reliable information ecosystem. This entire paragraph is a superstition. The information ecosystem is primarily lies and hoaxes. Guess who began and perpetuated them?

"Count Hermann Keyserling once said truly that the greatest American superstition was the belief in facts." - John Gunther.

"When even the brightest mind in our world has been trained up from childhood in a superstition of any kind, it will never be possible for that mind, in its maturity, to examine sincerely, dispassionately, and conscientiously any evidence or any circumstance which shall seem to cast a doubt upon the validity of that superstition. I doubt if I could do it myself." - Mark Twain.

A hoax, a deliberately fabricated or misleading story or information intended to deceive or trick people, is almost always considered true for a long time. Once in place, removing it may prove to be impossible. Hoaxes can have severe consequences and can be challenging to identify, but it's essential to your mental health to be aware of them and take steps to avoid spreading false information.

"The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable." - H. L. Mencken.

Combine this with myths, and what's the possibility of having access to Truth? Everything you believe is not true! There is more before we can see.

"Fear is the main source of superstition and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." - Bertrand Russell.