Topic: Evolution
It appears that wealth was shuttled massively toward those who specialized in the perpetuation and regeneration of large‑scale social dynamics. Priests, for example, are specialists in social cohesion. The work of anthropologist Mary Douglas hints that religious rituals may be practice for the routines which pin together a society. Rituals inculcate obedience to authority, and act as calisthenics for the sort of simultaneous, coordinated activities--complete with selfless sacrifice-which make massive social structures tick... try thinking of it this way: civility is a set of habits, habits of cooperation and habits of self-restraint. To attain these civilized disciplines, one needs a strong prefrontal cortex-home of the executive functions that rein our more chaotic impulses in. One also needs practice-practice repeated nearly every day. Regular rehearsal keeps the habits of self-control vigorously alive. Religious rituals are calisthenics for the habits indispensable to large-scale social enterprise.
-- Howard Bloom, "Instant Evolution"
Posted by mediafaction
at 12:01 AM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 23 November 2004 10:30 PM EST
