"On Superstition" by AG Gardiner

About  the writer,

Alfred George Gardiner (1865–1946) was a prominent British journalist, essayist, and editor, best known for his essays that combine wit, insight, and moral reflection.

 He wrote under the pen name "Alpha of the Plough." Gardiner's essays were widely appreciated for their engaging style, humor, and thoughtful exploration of social and ethical issues.

"On Superstition" is an essay by Alfred George Gardiner, a renowned British essayist known for his insightful and often humorous essays on a variety of social and moral topics. 

In this essay, Gardiner explores the concept of superstition, highlighting its prevalence in society and the irrationality that often accompanies it.

_________________________________________________

 Summary of the essay, 

A.G. Gardiner's essay "On Superstition" critically examines the persistence of superstitious beliefs in modern society despite the advancements of science and rational thought.

  Superstition Stems from Fear and Irrationality: Gardiner argues that superstitions are rooted in humanity's fear of the unknown and an unwillingness to confront life logically. They provide a false sense of comfort, control, and predictability in an uncertain world.

  The Persistence of Superstition: He notes that even in an age of science, people still adhere to irrational beliefs, often holding onto them unconsciously. He uses examples like the common avoidance of the number thirteen and the habit of walking around a ladder rather than under it.

  Superstitions Lack Logical Basis: Gardiner humorously illustrates the absurdity of these beliefs. He points out that adherence to superstitions can lead to unnecessary complications and irrational behavior in daily life.

  Common-Sense Origins: He suggests that some superstitions may have had practical, common-sense origins, but over time, they lost their original, sensible context and became irrational beliefs. For example, avoiding walking under a ladder may have originally been a safety precaution against falling objects.

 A "Creed Outworn": Gardiner contrasts the past, when people were ignorant of natural laws and believed in sinister forces, with the present scientific era. He asserts that superstition is now a "creed outworn" because science has revealed the laws of the universe, rendering old fears meaningless.

  Advocacy for Rationality: Ultimately, Gardiner advocates for a scientific and rational approach to life. He encourages readers to critically examine their beliefs and discard superstitions, arguing that a life free from these irrational burdens leads to greater happiness and clarity of mind. He celebrates the fact that modern society has largely "escaped the grotesque shadows" of the superstitions that plagued earlier generations.

_________________________________________________

A.G. Gardiner, in his essay "On Superstition," uses old monarchs and rulers to illustrate the pervasive and profound influence of superstition in the ancient world, contrasting it with the modern age of scientific reason.

Old Monarchs and Superstition

Gardiner highlights that in ancient times, the most powerful and intelligent individuals—including rulers—were heavily guided by omens and prophecies. Their decisions, which often determined the fate of nations, were held hostage by irrational beliefs.

  Omens and Prophecies: In the era before science explained natural laws, people (including rulers) related every phenomenon of life to supernatural forces. They would "see their fate in the clouds, their happiness or misery announced in the flight of birds, and referred every phenomenon of life to the soothsayers and oracles."

  Political Impact: He provides specific examples of how superstition directly affected major political and military events.

    Cato and the Election: He cites an episode from Roman civilization where a Roman election was postponed simply because Cato heard thunder.

    Alexander the Great: The great conqueror Alexander is mentioned as someone who surrounded himself with fortune-tellers and often took their counsel.

    Cicero's Downfall: Gardiner notes that the intellectual Cicero was among those who believed in omens, and he tragically lost his life by trusting to the "wisdom of crows." Cicero put to sea while in flight from Antony and Caesar Augustus but, due to a supposed omen, returned to shore where he was eventually captured and killed.

  A "Creed Outworn": Gardiner uses these examples to emphasize that while it was a "creed" (a set of beliefs) that was taken seriously by great men in those ignorant times, such reliance on omens is now an "idle fancy" and a "creed outworn" in the modern age. The idea that a public body like the House of Commons would adjourn due to a clap of thunder is treated as an absurdity today.

The rulers' adherence to superstition demonstrates that irrational belief was not merely a folk custom but was deeply entrenched in the highest levels of power and governance.

_________________________________________________

 Examples from the text given by AG Gardiner 

1. The Number Thirteen (13) : Gardiner discusses the widespread belief that the number thirteen is unlucky. He notes that this superstition is so pervasive that many buildings skip the thirteenth floor entirely, labeling it as the fourteenth floor instead. This example illustrates how deeply ingrained superstitions can become, influencing even the design of modern architecture.

2. Breaking a Mirror : Another common superstition Gardiner mentions is the belief that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. He highlights how people might go out of their way to avoid breaking a mirror or how they might feel anxious if they accidentally do so, even if they don't consciously believe in the superstition.

3. Walking Under a Ladder : Gardiner refers to the superstition that walking under a ladder brings bad luck. He explains how even people who consider themselves rational might hesitate before walking under a ladder, showing how superstition can influence behavior in subtle ways.

4. Lucky Charms and Rituals : The essay also touches on the use of lucky charms or rituals to influence outcomes, such as a student carrying a lucky pen to an exam. Gardiner points out that while these practices may offer psychological comfort, they do not have any real impact on the outcome, highlighting the irrationality of superstitious beliefs.

Through these examples, Gardiner effectively illustrates the persistence of superstition in modern society and the ways in which it can influence behavior, even in the face of rational thought. His essay is a call for greater awareness of the irrationality of superstitions and an encouragement to embrace a more scientific and logical approach to life.