A return to the primitive

In the beginning, during the agricultural age, before the industrial revolution, before the European Renaissance, before the “age of reason and enlightenment,” before the scientific revolution and tradition, before the dawn of the global economy and the information age, man was a highly superstitious mystic who probably feared his own shadow. He was probably an irrational brute–animalistic, even to the point of cannibalism.

In the beginning, man could not account for many things. A whole host of naturally occurring phenomena–fire, wind and rain, to name just a few notable examples–were foreign and alien to him. He did not know how huge mountain ranges were formed (geology). He did not know why steep volcanoes erupted or why earthquakes occurred (more geology). He could not explain the stars and the moon at night (astronomy). He only knew that certain things did occur, but he could not logically explain exactly why they occurred. The logical scientific method was not yet known or open to him.

To account for these great mysteries of life, primitive, primordial man had to invent certain fantastic notions in order to palliate his fears and lubricate his “soul.” Thus, mysticism, superstition and the irrational were born. After all, man had to believe in something; and since he could not, as yet, readily explain naturally occurring phenomena, he had no choice but to turn to the supernatural for the “answers” that eluded his primitive understanding.

Thus, the wind was explained as “spirit.” Volcano eruptions, thunderstorms, floods, and other natural events were attributed to demons or gods that had to be appeased through human or other live sacrifices. Myths, legends, and fairy tales eventually came into being. Notions of ghosts and goblins, of angels and such, pervaded the cultural life of various “civilizations.” They were the universal manifestations of primordial fear, weakness, and general uncertainty about life, particularly the origins of life.

Certain societies, however, eventually overcame the limitations of the past and became advanced, forward-looking, enlightened, prosperous, vibrant societies. Propelled by science, reason and technology, they moved out into the world, boldly exploring new horizons, encountering more primitive, mystical civilizations mired in superstition. Yet, still, the advanced societies retained a good dose of old-fashioned mysticism. It had been deeply ingrained in them. It was (and still is) considered part of their heritage and identity.

Yet, as human progress continued onward, it was expected that the more advanced societies would eventually abandon most of their ancient mysticism and finally become increasingly secular or non-sectarian. But this has not occurred. In the year 2001, mysticism is still alive and well, showing no signs of future extinction–despite the fact that the accumulated store of human knowledge is far greater than it has ever been before.

Despite unprecedented scientific achievement and increased human understanding, man still cannot properly cope with reality. He still has to delude himself largely because of his aversion to sustained logical thought. Knowledge and science are much too overwhelming. It is much easier to go in for mysticism–to go for that one simple idea: the biggest lie of them all.

Strictly a personal view. Charles Reyes Jr. is a regular columnist of Saipan Tribune. Mr. Reyes may be reached at charlesraves@hotmail.com