[jerry1979]

In terms of doing the work of rebuilding civilization, I bet that you have under-rated the role of organized superstition. At the very least, it seems to play the role of superego for the group, and thereby it can prevent incessant bickering and can guide group efforts.

[indy]

But it seems that we (in the West) are spending a ton of our time bickering over modern superstitions.

[OttoVonBizark]

oh for sure, but to be effective it would need to be a planned or at least guided superstition and not the horrible random hodge-podge of legacy nonsense we are stuck with now

[formerkrogemp]

Yes, it helps when explaining rules to persnickety and unrepentant knaves that they should do what you say or they'll face supernatural terror.

[jerry1979]

Another way to look at it is that the bickering is not just between people but also internal bickering. Having "superstitious" beliefs allows people to receive sublime commands but also gives them sublime permission.

[Shorel]

How would we know? Has this ever been tested?

Or is it just an instance of: “this is the status quo, accept it”.

[jerry1979]

I'm not an anthropologist, but I think the effectiveness of groups like the Freemasons indicates the power of myth and superstitious belief.