Magic

In a recent conversation with a friend who is both scientifically and theologically naive, I was amazed and somewhat horrified at the certainty with which he explained his belief that Mother Nature was striking back at Japan for being too industrialized by throwing earthquakes and tsunami at the country. After checking over my shoulder for a representative of the Spanish Inquisition, I tried to explain the science of tectonic plates and the lack of intention, in human terms, of earthquake dynamics. In other words, whether dinosaurs or nuclear power plants were around the plates when they collided and shifted, the earthquake and tsunami would occur. He stared at me blankly and said, "Then what good was your science?"

I laughed and quickly changed the subject. I didn't have time to do both Logic 101 and Earth Sciences 101. 

Ignorance thrives on magical thinking. Magical thinking thrives on ignorance. In this case, the repercussions of this particular magical thinking are lack of compassion for fellow human beings in great distress and a deluded belief that no similar natural catastrophe could ever happen in this man's life. This bodes a lack of compassion for self, in his lack of understanding that we all encounter disaster and death in our lives. As long as we think of ourselves as immune to that which befalls "them", we live in a deluded sense of superiority. 

In this particular case, I believe the roots are in a primitive religious indoctrination, combined with a poor general education, which left out adequate science training. Unfortunate, but all too common in today's America. I am finding that many whizzes with iPhones are scientifically naive. If asked how the iPhone, attached to their hands like an eleventh digit, actually works, few would be able to even attempt an informed answer. The magic is now in the iPhone. It has the all the answers. 

An easy antidote for magical thinking is an admission of ignorance. It is the first step to a cure. The cure is study and experimentation to challenge the easy answers provided by magical thinking. Constant skepticism is the foundation of progressive humanist thinking. It is a demanding and humbling habit and an essential part of what I call humanist practice.. There is no magic in it. It is hard work.