How to Overcome Superstitions

Superstition is the belief that events are influenced by specific behaviors without there being an actual causal relationship. Some superstitions are created through repeated personal rituals, while others are created from the observance of coincidental events, and still other superstitions are derived from cultural belief and myth. When superstitions replace knowledge and inhibit living one's life, it becomes time to challenge them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine the basis for the superstition. Belief in a "lucky" scarf may derive from wearing that scarf when something good happened, while belief that amulets or relics can heal derives from a belief that disease is caused by evil spirits.

2. Question the underlying belief. If good things happened when wearing a "lucky" scarf, try to recall if good things also happened when not wearing the scarf.

3. Analyze the source of the belief for its credibility.

4. Look for the real causes of events around you.

5. Broaden your education in history and the sciences to deepen your understanding of the way the world really works.

Resources

• Get the facts behind urban legends.