9781333866358 - Psyche's Task: A Discourse Concerning the Influence of Superstition on the Growth of Institutions (Classic Reprint) de Frazer, J. G. (3 resultados)

PAP. Condición: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condición: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Paperback. Condición: New. Print on Demand. This thought-provoking book examines the historical links between certain civil institutions and superstitious phenomena. The author contends many secular and civil institutions, such as government, property ownership, marriage, and the general regard for human life, originally found strength in largely superstitious beliefs and practices. In Polynesia, for instance, it was the widespread belief in a 'mana' energy that endowed chiefs with a sacred nature, giving them unchecked political power. The book demonstrates that superstitions such as taboos in Polynesia and oaths in Samoa played significant roles in preventing improper property appropriation. The author asserts that superstitious practices in various cultures and time periods have served as fundamental tenets that fostered societal growth and stability. Despite its sometimes pernicious nature, this book highlights how superstition has historically provided a foundation for many of the important norms and safeguards we still hold dear today. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item.