Superstitious

So this is my 13th post and it just so happens to be September 13th.  Coincidence?  Not really.  I've been trying to come up with something to write about and then I got distracted by the latest Dresden book.  Well, I've finished it and enjoyed it.  I don't know if he'll write another one, but I hope so.  I love the character, the setting, and the style.  If you haven't read them, then I suggest you pick up copy of Storm Front and enjoy.  The more I think about it, the more I think that there will be more in the series.  There are still some questions about Harry Copperfield Dresden that haven't been answered yet, and I'll be very upset at Jim Butcher if he doesn't answer them.

Initially this post was going to be about superstitions, so here goes.  In some ways, I see superstitions as a vain belief that we have control over the universe if we just do something in a certain way at a certain time or avoid a certain instance.  It is vain and self-centered, but we all do it, in some ways.  Of course superstitions, like any other belief, have power.  I remember reading somewhere that hotels never had a floor 13 even if they had more floors.  They just skipped it.  Black cats, walking under ladders, Friday the 13th, and broken mirrors are all examples of superstitions.  They also all involve bad luck.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Whether people think it is irrational or not, they still avoid those things.

As I said earlier, belief in a thing gives it power.  This is not a unique concept and one that has been around for a while.  Pick up any book or story that involves ancient religions and you'll get it.  Hokey religions and ancient weapons won't beat a blaster at your side.  Right?  Lovecraftian horrors had it all the time.  You even see it in modern stories such as comic books.  Thor and Hercules were both members of the Mighty Avengers, yet they were very diminished in power because nobody believed in those religions anymore.

I realize that this may be treading on blasphemous, but the reality is that belief is power.  You see it every day.  People consider superstitions to be an irrational belief in something beyond their control and power.  How is that different from religion?  I'm sure someone will have an answer.  I know I don't.

May the force be with you.  Live long and prosper.  Avoid black cats, ladders, the numbers 13 and 666 and don't forget to throw the salt over your shoulder. Amen.