In this discussion, Manvir Singh, an anthropologist from UC Davis, explores the depths of shamanism as a universal human practice. He delves into shamanic techniques and their role in addressing uncertainty, ranging from healing to divination. Singh highlights the modern parallels of shamans in today’s world, such as tech gurus, and discusses the interplay between shamanism and organized religions. He also examines how shamanic practices can empower individuals while revealing the psychological benefits of rituals, illustrating their significance in both ancient and contemporary contexts.
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insights INSIGHT
Cultural Universals
Human societies develop similar cultural traditions.
Cultural evolution and shared cognitive tendencies contribute to these similarities.
insights INSIGHT
Religion’s Core Components
Religion often involves beliefs in supernatural agents and practices to engage with them.
This stems from our need to manage fortune and misfortune and our belief in unseen forces.
insights INSIGHT
Shamanism’s Persistence
Shamanism isn't an archaic precursor to modern religion.
It's a recurring expression of spiritual beliefs and practices, competing with other forms like centralized religions.
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Short Summary: A detailed examination of shamanism with anthropologist Manvir Singh, blending evolutionary theory and vivid storytelling.
About the guest: Manvir Singh, PhD is an anthropologist at the University of California, Davis. His new book, "Shamanism: The Timeless Religion," comes out on May 25, 2025.
Note: Podcast episodes are fully available to paid subscribers on the M&M Substack and everyone on YouTube. Partial versions are available elsewhere. Full transcript and other information on Substack.
Episode Summary: Dr. Manvir Singh discusses shamanism’s role as a universal human practice, exploring its roots in cultural evolution, cognitive tendencies, and persistence across history and modern society. They discuss how shamans use altered states to address uncertainty—like healing or divination—while examining shamanism’s interplay with centralized religion, its psychological benefits, and parallels in today’s world, from tech gurus to medical placebos.
Key Takeaways:
Shamanism is a widespread cultural practice involving specialists who enter altered states to engage with unseen forces, often for healing or managing uncertainty.
It’s not an archaic precursor to modern religion but a recurring expression of spiritual beliefs & practices, competing with other forms.
Techniques vary widely—dance, music, psychedelics—but only about half of shamans historically used psychoactive substances.
Modern parallels include tech CEOs and money managers who project exceptionalism to influence others, echoing shamanic charisma without trance.
Open-label placebos (where patients know it’s fake) still work, suggesting rituals alone can trigger healing, much like shamanic practices.
Singh sees shamanism as a cognitive technology, not inherently good or bad, shaping how we cope with chaos across cultures and time.
Related episode:
M&M #86: Shamanism, Psychedelics, Social Behavior, Religion & Evolution of Human Culture | Michael Winkelman
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