Do You Believe in Magic?

[snopes]

New research demonstrates that habits of so-called magical thinking — the belief, for instance, that wishing harm on a loathed colleague or relative might make him sick — are far more common than people acknowledge.

These habits have little to do with religious faith, which is much more complex because it involves large questions of morality, community and history. But magical thinking underlies a vast, often unseen universe of small rituals that accompany people through every waking hour of a day.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/23/he...y/23magic.html

[bjohn13]

As a semi-professional poker player, the reason why I am consistantly able to win at the tables is because of the thinking that is described in this article. Many opponents like to try to harness the magic that is allegedly inherantly in the air in order to win while completely ignoring the odds, which are at the heart of any gambling endeavor. All it really takes to be successful at poker is a basic understanding of the math involved, but people can't get past the luck factor.

[medtchva]

Not sure I'd describe that as 'magical thinking'... if it is, then I'm one hell of a witch by now!

[Troberg]

As a semi-professional poker player, the reason why I am consistantly able to win at the tables is because of the thinking that is described in this article. Many opponents like to try to harness the magic that is allegedly inherantly in the air in order to win while completely ignoring the odds, which are at the heart of any gambling endeavor. All it really takes to be successful at poker is a basic understanding of the math involved, but people can't get past the luck factor.

Exactly. Luck might win you one hand, but in the long run, probabilities rule.

[Halfmad]

Anyone who believes in magical thinking should click here and listen to "Luck of the Irish"!

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radi...spx?sched=1165

[qualli]

as always the discussion needs one hippie nutcase, so throw my vote in under "Yes, of course"

..that is all.

[barbrainey]

Magical thinking has to do with the belief that if you perform some ritual, there will automatically be good results.

One example is the belief about compulsory tithing that exists among many Christians nowadays. This teaching is that if you obey the command of God as stated in the Old Testament book of Malachi, chapter 3, you will receive all kinds of blessings. And don't worry if you can't afford to tithe 10 percent of your gross financial income. (You can't afford NOT to tithe, is the prevailing belief!) You will always have enough money, because God will supply it! The problem is, financial giving is supposed to be done with a glad heart, not an obligated one! Also, giving is supposedly to be charitable, not obligatory.

Barbara R.

If reality was structured around belief then the man who jumped off the building believing he could fly would fly, the odds on horse would always win because it had the most people believing in it, etc.
thought does not affect outcome unless action on that thought is invoved.

[Silas Sparkhammer]

Originally Posted by lazerus the duck

thought does not affect outcome unless action on that thought is invoved.

God helps those who help themselves. (Ask any burglar.)

Silas