Magical Thinking in the Early Modern Period: Beliefs and Practices

A book on the history of magical thinking would delve into the fascinating world of human belief systems throughout time. From ancient civilizations to modern society, the book would explore how magical thinking has shaped cultures, influenced decision-making, and provided a sense of control and meaning to individuals. The **main idea** of the book would be to provide an in-depth analysis of magical thinking and its impact on human societies. It would examine the origins of magical thinking in early human history, exploring how early humans tried to make sense of the natural world and their place in it through the use of supernatural explanations. The book would trace the development of magical thinking across different cultures and time periods. It would highlight the common themes and beliefs that have persisted throughout history, such as the use of rituals, faith in supernatural beings, and the belief in the power of symbols and objects.

We learn about life before and after Didion’s husband’s sudden death; the years spend in Malibu, and New York and in a rambling house on LA’s Franklin Avenue; how extortionate phone bills were part of their relationship; as were holidays in Honolulu.

It was only while I was researching this write up that I was to discover that she too died, eighteen months after her father s passing, and later became the subject of another of Didion s memoirs Blue Nights,. So like say Causabon in Middlemarch or young Jolyon in To Let of the Forstye Saga she did know he was in danger or ought to have taken seriously a doctor s outright warning.

It would highlight the common themes and beliefs that have persisted throughout history, such as the use of rituals, faith in supernatural beings, and the belief in the power of symbols and objects. Moreover, the book would also analyze the psychological and social factors that contribute to the persistence of magical thinking. It would explore why humans are inclined to engage in magical thinking, the role of cognitive biases in reinforcing these beliefs, and the ways in which magical thinking can be both beneficial and detrimental to individuals and societies.

Book on the history of magical thinking

I thought starting my thirty-second year on the planet reading The Year of Magical Thinking would be rather apt. I had bought a copy while on a book splurge at Bondi based bookstore Gertrude & Alice, and so, before my birthday festivities began, I spent a slow morning in bed, with a lit candle, the fan on full blast; the leaves of my bedside plant swaying in the breeze.

I first came across The Year of Magical Thinking when I was living in Los Angeles last year with my boyfriend; I very nearly bought it at the Barnes and Noble I used to frequent in Studio City, but we were nearing the end of our time in the states, and I still had a towering pile of books to get through before boarding a flight back to London. And so it was when I saw it while browsing for books in Bondi recently, I quickly added it to my growing pile of tomes.

I’m not sure what it was that I expected from reading it; perhaps some inspiration on how to live a magical year; perhaps a motivational manual that would kick start my thirty-second year in the best way possible.

Alas, neither were true of The Year of Magical Thinking. The memoir is a melancholy one; an observation of grief, Didion talks openly about the sudden death of her husband, which coincided with her only daughter falling ill, and both the heartache and mundanities that followed.

We learn about life before and after Didion’s husband’s sudden death; the years spend in Malibu, and New York and in a rambling house on LA’s Franklin Avenue; how extortionate phone bills were part of their relationship; as were holidays in Honolulu.

Much of the memoir was peppered with dates and flights and phone-calls that were made in the post-John era, as Didion navigated her way around the aftermath of losing her husband, while continuing to care for her coma-induced daughter, Quintana. It was only while I was researching this write up that I was to discover that she too died, eighteen months after her father’s passing, and later became the subject of another of Didion’s memoirs – Blue Nights,

While the story wasn’t a compelling one, it was one that slowly grew on me as the pages passed; poignant and powerful in nature, while it didn’t make me cry, it did make me think. About the fragility of life, and about how everything can change in the blink of eye; and about how you can see the world differently in a matter of minutes.

Joan, John and Quintana © The Paris Review

About Joan Didion

Joan Didion (born December 5, 1934) is an American journalist and writer of novels, screenplays, and autobiographical works. Didion is best known for her literary journalism and memoirs. In her novels and essays, Didion explores the disintegration of American morals and cultural chaos; the overriding theme of her work is individual and social fragmentation.

About The Year of Magical Thinking

Several days before Christmas 2003, John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion saw their only daughter, Quintana, fall ill with what seemed at first flu, then pneumonia, then complete septic shock. She was put into an induced coma and placed on life support. Days later–the night before New Year’s Eve–the Dunnes were just sitting down to dinner after visiting the hospital when John Gregory Dunne suffered a massive and fatal coronary. In a second, this close, symbiotic partnership of forty years was over. Four weeks later, their daughter pulled through. Two months after that, arriving at LAX, she collapsed and underwent six hours of brain surgery at UCLA Medical Center to relieve a massive hematoma.

This powerful book is Didion’s attempt to make sense of the “weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I ever had about death, about illness . . . about marriage and children and memory . . . about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself.”

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I’m not sure what it was that I expected from reading it; perhaps some inspiration on how to live a magical year; perhaps a motivational manual that would kick start my thirty-second year in the best way possible.

The **main message** of the book would be to offer a comprehensive understanding of magical thinking as a universal human phenomenon. It would seek to shed light on the reasons behind its persistence and explore its significant role in shaping the development of cultures and civilizations. Ultimately, the book would provide readers with a broader perspective on the complexities of human belief systems, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the interplay between rationality and supernatural beliefs throughout history..

Reviews for "Magical Thinking and the Power of Intention Manifestation"

1. Mia Thompson - 2 stars

I was really excited to read this book as I have always been fascinated by the concept of magical thinking. However, I was sorely disappointed with the content. The author seemed to focus more on personal anecdotes and stories rather than providing a comprehensive history of magical thinking. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach with references to research and studies, but instead, I got a collection of half-baked, unsupported claims. Overall, this book was a letdown and failed to deliver on its promise.

2. John Anderson - 2 stars

I found "Book on the history of magical thinking" to be a tedious read. The author's writing style is overly convoluted, making it difficult to follow the main argument. Additionally, the book lacked structure and seemed to jump from one topic to another without a clear direction. The author's biased views also came through, as they seemed to dismiss any opposing arguments without providing a well-thought-out counter. I was expecting a thorough exploration of the history of magical thinking, but instead, I felt like I was reading a disorganized collection of random thoughts.

3. Sarah Turner - 1 star

I regret picking up this book. It was filled with outdated and inaccurate information about magical thinking. The author ignored the significant cultural, social, and psychological aspects of this phenomenon, instead opting for a simplistic and shallow analysis. It was as if the author relied solely on their personal experiences, failing to provide any substantial evidence to support their claims. The lack of research and depth made this book a complete waste of time. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the history of magical thinking.

Sigmund Freud and the Psychological Interpretation of Magical Thinking