21min chapter

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360 - John Vervaeke - The Cognitive Science of Ritual

The Symbolic World

CHAPTER

Rituals and Identity in Modern Life

This chapter explores the evolving nature of modern rituals and their impact on identity formation, emphasizing the complex relationship between symbols, cognitive processes, and personal transformation. It critiques the notion that superficial rituals can fulfill deeper existential needs, instead highlighting their role in memory and narrative formation. Through discussions on costly signaling and the significance of communal experiences, the chapter illustrates how rituals shape individual and collective identities in contemporary society.

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