360 - John Vervaeke - The Cognitive Science of Ritual
The Symbolic World
Rituals Demand Commitment Through Intensity
Rituals often fail to provide deep cognitive satisfaction, leading to a continuous desire for more profound experiences. This results in a pattern of intensifying actions, as seen in the evolution of events like Pride celebrations from day to week to month to season. Such trends reflect a need to enhance participation and the radicalization of membership in communities. The concept of a 'costly marker' emerges, emphasizing that demanding rituals signal a commitment level to others, effectively establishing trust and signaling deep engagement in the community. This anthropological perspective illustrates how increasingly rigorous rituals reinforce identities and connections.
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