The Quest for Meaning Beyond Belief

Guy Stagg's pilgrimage journey highlights an intriguing phenomenon where individuals, despite lacking belief, seek meaning through sacred rituals. His expedition, inspired by a desire to heal from mental illness, led him to understand that religious experiences can hold significance even for non-believers. Stagg realized that engaging in religious rituals allowed him to cultivate humility and vulnerability, as he had to rely on the kindness of strangers. This experience illustrates that participants can find personal meaning in rituals, suggesting that the pursuit of spirituality does not necessitate traditional belief.