Most of the times superstitions turn out to be irrational beliefs. These are manifestations of beliefs that some people have. However, the amazing fact about superstitions is that even though they might not be true, these do cause some anxiety to one and all.
This can be well understood through an example. In situations when one does not have any choice but to cross a broken ladder, even if one fears some mishappening the situation needs to be overcome. This in common perception causes anxiety to the individual.
Superstitions therefore are nothing but manifestation or inner belief and convictions and have managed to exist as long as life has existed.
Therefore, it becomes easier for one to have belief that superstitions as these have existed since long and resisting from not believing in the same is something that is too hard to give up.
Scientific beliefs in context of superstitions
Making comparisons between scientific findings and superstitions is more of a wishful thought. Science can be better defined as accumulation of knowledge that is based on scientific evidence. Though a thin line of demarcation exists between superstition and scientific belief, it is at times hard enough to separate the both.
While superstition is a way of thinking and those under the influence of the same tend to believe that the same exists and happens due to some natural forces.
Superstitions also tend to build up over period.
For example if a black cat crosses your way every time you are out for work and if the same gets spoiled, a point will come when you will like to avoid coming across a cat, even if you are not going out on an important mission.
This deep rooted influence over a period makes a scientific thinker a superstitious person as the world around him is of the firm belief that the black cat brings bad luck.
The scientific temperament of the person is therefore overshadowed by the fear of uncertainty and this over a period evolves into what is known as superstition.
Myth versus reality
However, despite the dominance of those believing in superstitions, there exists a segment of society that believes firmly in scientific temperament. They are of the belief that every act must be supported by facts and the same must be tried and tested.
The fact of the matter is that while superstitions and scientific beliefs are distinct in some ways, some things are common in both. The perception of the world of a superstitious person is quite distinct from the one who believes in scientific temperament.
A scientist often believes in questioning every though and fact that a superstitious person would rather leave the same as being an act of God is the only hindrance that separates a scientist from the superstitious lot.
Scientific temperament at work
Though the assumption that superstitions have a scientific backing might surprise you, but if one was to take the debate in true earnest this might sound true to some extent. The example of not walking beneath a ladder can be quoted in this regard.
There is a superstitious belief that walking beneath the ladder can spell misfortune on a person. The same can be explained in logical terms too. If one decides to walk beneath a ladder, some stuff might fall off from the ladder accidently and hurt the person walking beneath.
Similarly, the ladder might itself drop off causing physical harm to the one in the vicinity. Thus this superstition can be understood well by someone who has a scientific temperament.
Many superstitious beliefs like the one quoted above exist and can best be explained logically. The need is to adopt a rationale outlook and understand things in their right perspective.
The middle path approach
However, certain examples and facts have made those with scientific temperament too think and ponder over certain acts that are beyond the comprehension of science. This keeps the debate of science versus superstition alive and those with keen scientific temperament too find themselves in a tight spot at times.
Science and superstition are two sides of the same coin. While one believes in leaving the same to the wisdom of the nature, the other questions the same wisdom of nature. It is also a fact that both scientists and those with superstitious perceptions stick to their claims and this at times causes serious concerns that not only affects these individuals but also others around them.
The middle path is to pursue a policy of inquisitiveness and be ready to admit certain facts that perhaps are a mystery even to the most intelligent of the scientists. One also should have the wisdom of being generous enough to accept situations and events if the same goes against their thought process. Only then there would be a balance between science and superstition.
