"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, 

Gardiner begins the essay by defining superstition as a belief or practice that is not based on reason or scientific knowledge but is instead rooted in fear, ignorance, or a misunderstanding of causality. 

He explains that superstition is a deeply ingrained aspect of human nature, transcending cultures and eras. Despite advances in education and science, superstition remains persistent in society.

The essay delves into how even educated and seemingly rational individuals can fall prey to superstitious beliefs. Gardiner illustrates this point with examples from everyday life, showing how superstition influences people's actions in subtle and often unconscious ways.

 He mentions common superstitions, such as the fear of breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, or the belief that the number thirteen is unlucky. These examples serve to demonstrate how superstition is woven into the fabric of daily life, even among those who might dismiss such beliefs as irrational.

Gardiner also discusses how superstition often arises from a desire for control in uncertain situations. For instance, he describes how people might turn to lucky charms or rituals when they face events beyond their control, such as exams or important life decisions. This need for control can lead individuals to attribute success or failure to these superstitions, reinforcing their belief in them.

One of the key points Gardiner makes is that superstition is not confined to the uneducated or the primitive.

 He argues that even in the modern, scientific age, people cling to superstitions because they offer a sense of comfort or security in an unpredictable world. He contrasts this with the rational, scientific approach, which seeks to understand and explain the world through evidence and logic rather than fear or tradition.

Gardiner concludes by suggesting that while superstition is a natural human tendency, it is ultimately harmful because it leads to irrational behavior and a distorted view of reality.

 He advocates for a more rational, evidence-based approach to life, one that rejects superstition in favor of knowledge and understanding.

 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.