I first encountered a similar idea in Harari’s “Sapiens,” that humanity’s ability to coordinate at scale derives from our use of ritual to create shared belief in imagined order that allows us to act as if something is true, which belief thereby gives it its power. As an example, roughly the entire legal system consists of (in essence) sorcerers casting spells and telling stories that work because we all go along with them. It’s so ingrained that we find it jarring and disturbing when people call attention to it.
“Is this meant to be your shield, Ned Stark? A piece of paper?”
“John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”
I first encountered a similar idea in Harari’s “Sapiens,” that humanity’s ability to coordinate at scale derives from our use of ritual to create shared belief in imagined order that allows us to act as if something is true, which belief thereby gives it its power. As an example, roughly the entire legal system consists of (in essence) sorcerers casting spells and telling stories that work because we all go along with them. It’s so ingrained that we find it jarring and disturbing when people call attention to it.
“Is this meant to be your shield, Ned Stark? A piece of paper?”
“John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.”
I like the extension to normal etiquette.