Summary of Key Points
This article reflects the profound contemplation of philosopher Zhao Tingyang on the impact of "witchcraft on human civilization": Witchcraft is not merely a synonym for superstition; rather, it represents the earliest foundations of human knowledge and thought. Through a process of "mutation and transformation," rather than abrupt discontinuation, it has influenced various fields such as history, humanities, art, religion, and even modern psychoanalysis. The transition from witchcraft to historical thinking was gradual, with calendars playing a crucial intermediary role. The core elements of witchcraft—assigning meaning to things and establishing trust through rituals—continue to be active in the human world to this day, even as science has emerged. This is because witchcraft deals with issues of "meaning and psychology" that science cannot address.
I. The Transition from Witchcraft to History: A Smooth "Knowledge Relay"
In primitive tribes, the chief was both the political and military leader and the "shaman," possessing the power to interpret the world. As life became more complex and the chief could no longer handle everything alone, the responsibility of interpreting events was handed over to specialized priests. These priests gradually transformed into historians—not by completely changing their roles, but by shifting their focus from spiritual communication to documenting history.
Why was this transition so smooth? Because the main body of knowledge remained the same (the existing intellectual class); it was merely a shift from using witchcraft to predict the future to using historical experience for the same purpose. Another key factor was the calendar. Ancient people used astronomy to determine seasonal changes, which both preserved the mystique of witchcraft (such as the concept of "divine will") and provided practical guidance for farming and daily life, thus bridging the gap between witchcraft and history.
II. Witchcraft's Two Legacy Skills: Meaning Assignment and Standardization
Witchcraft has two fundamental skills that still influence us today:
1. Meaning Assignment: Giving meaning to things that originally had none. For example, primitive people might designate a stone as an incarnation of their ancestors, endowing it with sacred value; today, artists hang tattered cloth in galleries and call it a "work of art," attributing it aesthetic value—both are instances of creating meaning out of nothing.
2. Standardization: Using rituals and procedures to gain people's belief. Witchcraft rituals create a sense of authenticity; similarly, academic papers require citations and adherence to formatting, and political ceremonies like raising the national flag rely on rules to establish trust, even if the content is not necessarily absolutely true.
III. Witchcraft, Science, and Religion: Not from the Same Family, but Not Competing for the Same Realm
Many believe that witchcraft is the precursor to science or religion, but this is not accurate:
- Science is a Rebellious Force: It relies on empirical evidence and logic, seeking absolute truths; witchcraft, on the other hand, focuses on correlations (e.g., "crows cawing = bad luck), providing psychological comfort.
- Religion is a "Terminal Stage": It posits that history has an end (such as the concept of Judgment Day), presenting a closed narrative; witchcraft, however, is open-ended, never providing definitive answers, and is always in the process of interpretation.
- The Humanities are Descendants of Witchcraft: Fields like history, art, and philosophy rely on interpretation to function, dealing with issues of meaning just like witchcraft, whereas science and religion do not.
IV. The Modern "Reincarnations" of Witchcraft: From Astrology to Psychoanalysis, Its Influence is Everywhere
Witchcraft has not disappeared; it has simply taken on new forms:
- Degraded Forms: Astrology, feng shui, and phonetic superstitions (e.g., "4 = death"—these have lost their intellectual depth and have become mere psychological games.
- Advanced Forms: Art (creating "magical experiences," such as Picasso's paintings that are challenging but impactful) and psychoanalysis (exploring the subconscious, similar to witchcraft's exploration of "mysterious forces").
- Advanced Forms: Historical interpretation (reconstructing ancient life based on limited evidence) shares the same essence as witchcraft's approach of connecting seemingly unrelated elements through logical reasoning.
V. Why Can't We Get Rid of Witchcraft's Influence?
Because humans have an inherent need for meaning. Science can explain what things are, but it cannot explain why living is meaningful. Witchcraft and its descendants (the humanities) provide this meaning, making life worthwhile. For instance, we cry when watching a movie, not because it is "true," but because it tells a meaningful story—this is the power of witchcraft's influence at work. As long as humans continue to seek meaning, witchcraft will exist in various forms.
In essence, this article argues that we should not underestimate witchcraft. It is a foundational aspect of human civilization, and many of our current thoughts and behaviors are influenced by it. No matter how advanced science becomes, it cannot replace the role of witchcraft in providing meaning to our lives.