This chapter delves into the role of rituals in providing individuals with a sense of belonging, identity, and connection to their heritage, citing examples from various cultural contexts. It also discusses the importance of rituals in mourning and coping with death, emphasizing their role in bringing people together to support each other. The chapter reflects on the sentimental aspects of life and the significance of seemingly insignificant rituals in forming deep emotional connections.
While religion may play less of a role in many people's lives, rituals--the lifeblood of religion--remain central to the human experience. Listen as Michael Norton of the Harvard Business School explains how and why rituals remain at the center of our lives--they give meaning to life-cycle events and secular holidays, calm our fears, and give us a sense of control when the pressure to perform can otherwise overwhelm us.