Superstitious beliefs and why

While the book makes some trailblazing arguments for democracy and free speech, it begins with the problem of superstition. But rarely if ever is that the case. Instead, we inevitably encounter adversity and disappointment in pursuing what we want. Superstitions are harmless if we know what we are getting ourselves into.

But they become deeply dangerous when they result in surrendering our economic or political power to ambitious figures who claim to act on behalf of divine forces. When, in short, we give up our natural power and estimation in thinking for ourselves. For Spinoza, problems in Dutch society stemmed from the inappropriate intervention of religious power into its politics and everyday life. Instead, religion should be a matter of personal conscience, as well as one means of teaching everyone how to live together peacefully and cooperatively.

His approach has often been compared to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Both were writing in superstitious times wracked by upheaval and conflict.

Both argued that religion should fall under political control, as it did in the Church of England. Hobbes argued that we should surrender all power to the monarch to control the unruly people — the Leviathan in the image.

Spinoza disagreed. Democracy, free speech and rational public debate are essential for making societies more peaceful, tolerant and harmonious. Whereas superstitions can provide a refuge in ignorance and uncertainty, human beings are at our best when we can freely use our minds to examine and understand our natural worlds.

What does that mean today? Find out more about Spinoza, Hobbes and their view of equality by watching videos on an event webpage here. Spinoza, Benedictus de. Volume II , trans. Edwin Curley. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Today free speech is widely considered to be a basic human right. Our individual liberty to say and think what we wish — within limits — is defended in modern British law.

Dr Dan Taylor looks at troubles the Netherlands faced due to religious divisions and how this nearly led to the collapse of one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Should there be limits to freedom of speech? Professor of Philosophy, Derek Matravers, explores this idea. Human rights now seem to take precedent over many areas of our lives, but where do these rights come from and how did they develop? This free course, What is politics?

It is dedicated primarily to answering the question of what politics is. Obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD causes repeated actions or thoughts, and it can manifest in a variety of ways. Learn more here. Anxiety is a normal emotion that causes increased alertness, fear, and physical signs, such as a rapid heart rate.

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Share on Pinterest Some people think that encountering a black cat is a sign of bad luck. Why do we believe the unbelievable?

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And finally, for a fresh look, choose the New Moon — perfect to change the color of your hair our your hairstyle. After you find what you were looking for, just jump three times to show your gratitude! Have you noticed this list brings you exactly 13 Brazilian superstitions and beliefs? This is no coincidence. In Brazil, thirteen is a powerful number, surrounded by mystery and beliefs.

While half of the population believes this is a lucky number, the other half of Brazilians think 13 is a cursed number.

So, would you choose the number 13 in your lottery ticket or not? We are sure every Brazilian superstition has a story and tradition behind it. A lot of this comes down to the highly religious nature of the country and also the popular and respected folklore. Most superstitions still pass down from generation to generation.

Many people just have a good laugh when talking about it, but most Brazilians are serious about it. Even if many of these make no sense at all, there is no denying the effect the Brazilian culture has on people in the country. Within sport, superstitions have been shown to reduce tension and provide a sense of control over unpredictable, chance factors. Superstitions practices tend to vary across sports, but there are similarities. Within football, gymnastics and athletics, for example, competitors reported praying for success, checking appearance in mirror and dressing well to feel better prepared.

Players and athletes also engage with personalised actions and behaviours — such as wearing lucky clothes, kit and charms. Famous sportspeople often display superstitious behaviours. Rafael Nadal has an array of rituals that he performs each time he plays. These include the manner in which he places his water bottles and taking freezing cold showers. Nadal believes these rituals help him to find focus, flow and perform well. What all this shows is that superstitions can provide reassurance and can help to reduce anxiety in some people.