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The essay shows that superstition is much more deeply rooted in human life than people may realize. A person can consider himself rational and educated while still following certain irrational customs. The author suggests that these beliefs are extremely old and have spread across different races and creeds. Their widespread existence indicates that the tendency to believe in unexplained things is connected with a basic aspect of human thinking.

The essay is definitely satirical because the writer uses humour to expose the unreasonable nature of superstitious behaviour. Rather than giving only a serious criticism, he presents ordinary examples in a way that makes their absurdity noticeable. Practices such as throwing salt over the left shoulder after spilling it, avoiding a ladder, consulting the I Ching for university-related matters, and keeping jujus, lucky coins and other supposed objects of luck on examination desks are treated humorously. Through such examples, the writer makes readers laugh while also encouraging them to question blind beliefs.

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Education can influence people's beliefs about superstition by teaching them to think logically and examine things critically. An educated person is more likely to understand that illness has identifiable causes and therefore seek medical assistance instead of depending on priests or supernatural rituals. Knowledge of science helps people recognize how diseases develop and how they can be treated.

A major source of superstition is fear of things that people do not understand. When education explains the causes behind previously mysterious events, the fear associated with them can gradually disappear. It also develops reasoning skills and gives people the confidence to question traditional beliefs. Educated people can then contribute to society by helping others distinguish between evidence-based knowledge and irrational assumptions.

However, education cannot completely remove superstition from human society at present. Human beings still do not possess knowledge about everything, and unexplained questions continue to exist. Therefore, complete elimination of superstition would require complete knowledge. Nevertheless, education can greatly reduce its influence and encourage people to approach life with greater rationality.

उत्तर :

Superstitions in My Community

Superstitions have accompanied human civilization for a very long time. In ancient societies, people lacked scientific explanations for many natural events and unusual experiences. Because of limited knowledge, fear and poor reasoning, they often created beliefs to explain things they could not understand. These beliefs gradually became customs and were passed from one generation to another.

Mahatma Buddha strongly promoted the use of reason and encouraged people to examine and test things before accepting them. In the same way, Guru Nanak and Kabir taught people to reject blind superstition. Faith, however, should not automatically be considered superstition. Faith can give people hope and positive direction, whereas superstition is generally based on irrational fear and unsupported assumptions.

In earlier times, the fear of ghosts was particularly strong in villages. People believed that ghosts appeared during the night and that only certain individuals had the ability to see them. Taking advantage of these fears, some clever people claimed to possess powers that allowed them to control or remove ghosts. They deceived innocent villagers for their own benefit. Such exploitation has not disappeared completely even today.

Several superstitions are still associated with ordinary activities. Eye twitching may be taken as a sign of something about to happen. A cat crossing someone's path may be considered unlucky, while meeting a Brahmin can be viewed as inauspicious. The sound of a crow is sometimes interpreted as an indication that a guest will arrive. Similarly, meeting a sweeper early in the morning may be regarded as auspicious.

To overcome such beliefs, we should develop a scientific attitude and examine every claim through reason and evidence.

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The statement that superstition is prevalent in every walk of life is largely true. Human beings began developing superstitious beliefs when they felt helpless in front of natural forces. Since people could not understand many events around them, they often imagined that supernatural powers were responsible. Social customs and cultural traditions also played an important role in preserving these beliefs.

Ancient Greeks and Pagans worshipped different aspects of nature by treating them as Gods and Goddesses. Nepalese traditions also contain beliefs concerning the sun, moon, stars, planets, plants and other natural elements. Some people continue to believe that these forces can influence human destiny. Even when illness or disaster occurs, people may sometimes say that an evil star is responsible. Similar beliefs have existed in Western societies as well. Shakespeare's works, for example, include references to omens, witches and supernatural occurrences.

Several common superstitions have survived into modern times. Many people still consider the number 13 unlucky. Spilling salt is also traditionally regarded as an ill-omen. In Nepal, a black cat crossing one's path may be interpreted as bad luck. The hooting of an owl and the wailing of a dog may likewise be seen as signs of approaching trouble.

There is generally no logical evidence supporting these beliefs. Nevertheless, centuries of tradition have made them difficult to abandon. Scientific progress has weakened many superstitions, but it has not completely removed them. Therefore, superstitious beliefs continue to influence people in different areas of life.