SUPERSTITION. A LECTURE DELIVERED AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION, LONDON. What is superstition? Kingsley asks in his lecture. He defines it as the belief in and worship of things that are not gods or goddesses, but rather "things which we cannot see, feel, hear, or understand." These things may be good or bad, he notes, but they are still considered supernatural because they are beyond human comprehension. Kingsley argues that superstition is a universal phenomenon, found in all cultures and societies throughout history. He cites examples from various cultures, such as the ancient Egyptians' belief in the power of amulets and talismans, the Hindus' worship of idols and images, and the beliefs of the ancient Greeks and Romans in their gods and goddesses. Kingsley also examines the psychological factors that contribute to superstition. He suggests that people are drawn to superstition because it provides a sense of security and control in an uncertain world. Additionally, he notes that superstition can be a way for people to feel connected to something larger than themselves, such as a higher power or a cultural tradition. Despite its prevalence throughout history, Kingsley argues that superstition is ultimately harmful because it distracts people from the real issues of life and leads them to make poor decisions based on irrational beliefs. He concludes his lecture by emphasizing the importance of reason and critical thinking in evaluating claims of supernatural power.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1853 · Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Philosophy