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The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
Cheesy Mummies, Ant Farmers, When Superstitions Actually Help
Nov 6, 2024
Laura Krantz, author of "Do You Believe in Magic?", joins the conversation to explore the power of superstitions and their surprising benefits. The hosts share fascinating tales like ants farming fungi, showcasing the intersection of science and magic. Delving into mummy cheese, they uncover ancient dairy practices and the emotional ties we have with our rituals. The discussion reveals how superstitions can offer comfort and control, illustrating their psychological impact on our daily lives.
57:18
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Quick takeaways
- Superstitions can psychologically enhance performance by instilling confidence, particularly in challenging and uncertain situations.
- Ants demonstrate advanced agricultural practices by cultivating fungi, highlighting an evolutionary relationship similar to human farming development.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Science and Magic
The discussion highlights how past practices deemed magical often have roots in scientific principles. A recent book explores this connection, examining how elements like alchemy and astrology contributed to scientific understanding. For instance, medieval scholars studying the cosmos reveal insights into both astronomy and astrology's influence on scientific thought. This intersection underscores that what we view as irrational or superstitious may have historically informed scientific discovery.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode