The Next Big Idea Daily The Surprising Truth About Shamans
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Jul 17, 2025 An anthropologist explores the enduring relevance of shamanism, revealing how it meets universal human needs in times of uncertainty. The journey takes us from Indonesian rainforests to modern cultural festivals like Burning Man. Discover the healing power of shamanic rituals, which resemble today's psychological methods. The concept of 'hedge wizards' highlights fascinating parallels between money managers and shamans, both guiding people through life's unpredictability. Shamanism is more than a tradition; it’s a timeless response to our shared human experience.
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Manvir's Global Shamanic Journey
- Manvir Singh spent over a year living with shamans in Indonesian rainforests, witnessing healing and trance ceremonies firsthand.
- He also experienced shamanic practices around the world, including psychedelic use in the Amazon and rituals at Burning Man.
Shamanism's Universal Role
- Shamanism is a near-universal cognitive technology humans create to cope with life's uncertainties.
- Shamans transform themselves to access abilities ordinary people cannot, providing healing and control over the uncontrollable.
Why Shamans Persist Everywhere
- Shamans appear across diverse societies because they meet deep human cognitive needs like pattern-seeking and superstitious bet hedging.
- These evolved biases make shamanic rituals attractive and plausible globally regardless of culture or history.
