Avoid Frivolous Symbolic Interpretations | Symbolism of Sneezing | Alex O'Connor & Jonathan Pageau

Summary

The discussion explores the origin and significance of saying 'bless you' when someone sneezes, delving into historical and cultural contexts. It examines the belief that sneezing expels spirit or breath, necessitating a blessing to restore spiritual balance. The conversation also touches on broader themes of accidental actions, their cultural interpretations, and the persistence of superstitions over time. By analyzing these behaviors, the dialogue seeks to uncover deeper meanings and connections within human traditions and beliefs.

Takeaways

• 😷 The saying 'bless you' when someone sneezes is rooted in the ancient belief that the soul or spirit is connected to breath, and sneezing was seen as a loss of spirit that needed to be replenished.
• 🤔 The speaker finds superstitions intriguing and believes they have deeper meanings and reasons for being 'sticky' or persistent in culture.
• 📚 The concept of spirit and breath is deeply embedded in religious texts and cultural myths, suggesting a universal understanding of their connection.
• 💨 Sneezing is considered non-deliberate and akin to other involuntary bodily functions like burping or farting, which are seen as embarrassing or misaligned with social norms.
• 🙏 Saying 'bless you' is a way to realign a person with meaning after an involuntary action that is perceived to take them away from it.
• 😷(alt) Historically, during times of plague, saying 'bless you' was a hope for the person's survival, as sneezing was an early symptom of illness.
• 🧐 The speaker is skeptical of liberal interpretations of superstitions or biblical stories, advocating for a more grounded and universally accepted understanding.
• 📖 The discussion touches on the idea of discipline and training in behavior, suggesting that certain practices in the Old Testament were meant to cultivate a pattern of self-control.
• 🤯 The speaker mentions Pascal's view on sneezing, comparing it to the sexual act in terms of its consuming effect on the soul, although used as a counterexample in Pascal's argument.
• 🤝 The conversation also includes a discussion with Jordan Peterson about the biblical story of Adam and Eve, exploring the symbolic meaning of the serpent as a representation of strangeness or the integration of the stranger.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding why certain superstitions and interpretations persist, rather than dismissing them outright as mere superstition.

Q & A

Why do people traditionally say 'bless you' when someone sneezes?

The traditional reason is rooted in the superstition that sneezing expels spirit or breath, and saying 'bless you' helps to replenish or protect that spirit.

What is the relationship between sneezing and superstitions about spirit and breath?

Sneezing is seen as an accidental release of breath, which in ancient beliefs is tied to spirit or soul. Saying 'bless you' is thought to fill the gap left by the expelled breath, aligning with the idea that spirit and breath are interconnected.

How does the idea of accidental actions relate to superstitions like saying 'bless you'?

Accidental actions like sneezing are seen as moments of vulnerability or misalignment. Saying 'bless you' is a way to address and correct this misalignment, bringing the person back into a state of meaning or order.

What are some other examples of accidental actions that have social or superstitious implications?

Other examples include burping and farting, which are also accidental releases of air. These actions are often hidden or apologized for because they are seen as embarrassing and indicative of a lack of self-control or health.

How do these accidental actions relate to concepts of health and disease?

Frequent or uncontrolled accidental actions like coughing, burping, and flatulence are associated with poor health. Historically, such signs were linked to disease, which is why they carry negative connotations.

Why do some superstitions persist over generations while others do not?

Superstitions that persist often have deeper meanings or connections to universal human experiences, making them 'sticky.' They provide insight into cultural values and beliefs, which is why they are remembered and passed down.

What is the significance of the analogy between spirit and breath in ancient cultures?

In many ancient cultures, spirit and breath are seen as closely related, with breath symbolizing life and spirit. This analogy appears in religious texts, myths, and cultural practices, illustrating the deep connection between the two.

How does the analogy between spirit and breath appear in religious texts like Genesis?

In Genesis, the creation of life involves God breathing life into Adam, symbolizing the infusion of spirit through breath. This reinforces the ancient belief that breath is a conduit for spirit.

What role do greetings and social behaviors play in cultural training?

Greetings and social behaviors, like making eye contact and shaking hands, train individuals in patterns of discipline and attention. These practices encourage meaningful social interactions and respect.

How does Jordan Peterson's interpretation of the serpent in the Adam and Eve story relate to integration of the stranger?

Peterson suggests that the serpent represents the element of strangeness or the unknown in the story. Integrating this strangeness is crucial, as it relates to the challenges of incorporating new or unfamiliar elements into one's life and relationships.

Why is it important to understand the reasons behind long-standing superstitions?

Understanding the reasons behind long-standing superstitions helps us appreciate the cultural and psychological factors that make them persistent. It reveals the deeper meanings and values that these superstitions embody, beyond their surface-level explanations.