The dangers of magical beliefs

When people don’t understand why things are the way they are, or why they occur, they tend to look for reasons outside the common notions of verifiable reality.

And so, magical beliefs fill the void. We see patterns that don’t exist, make connections that aren’t there, and--because of our very human ability to recognize patterns and see what we want to see—we fabricate belief. Creating superstitions to 'connect the dots,' even when we can’t objectively prove they’re there.

Normally, this doesn’t hurt anyone.

Except—and it’s a huge exception—when we make decisions with far-reaching consequences based on anything but facts. When people choose to deliberately not wear masks, not get vaccinated, not adopt sustainable practices, not believe in science…their actions affect us all.

Once you create a world without constraints, where anything can be a cause of something--fictitious narratives start to take flight. Throw in enough like-minded people, bad motives, and yes, the internet, and you're left with the types of conspiracies (and the groups that support them) that aren't just amusing, but outright dangerous.

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Related: this made me laugh.