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The essay draws attention to the hidden presence of superstition in human behaviour. People may consider themselves rational and educated, yet they can still follow irrational customs either deliberately or without noticing it. The author points out that superstitious beliefs have existed for a very long time and are found among people from different races and creeds. Their widespread nature suggests that such beliefs are connected with a deep-rooted tendency of the human mind.

The essay is satirical because the writer uses humour and ridicule to expose the foolishness of superstitious practices. Instead of simply condemning superstition, he presents familiar examples in an amusing manner. Throwing salt over the left shoulder after spilling it, refusing to walk under a ladder, consulting the I Ching about university affairs, and placing jujus, lucky coins and other objects believed to bring luck on candidates' desks during examinations are some of the practices he makes fun of. These examples reveal the irrationality of superstition while giving the essay its humorous character.

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Education can bring considerable change in people's attitudes toward superstition because it encourages knowledge, reasoning and critical thinking. A person who understands the causes of illness, for example, is more likely to seek medical treatment than depend upon priests to cast out demons. Scientific knowledge enables people to understand diseases and recognize suitable methods of curing them.

Superstition often develops because people are afraid of things they cannot explain. Education can remove some of this fear by turning unfamiliar matters into understandable ones. It also strengthens intellectual ability and encourages individuals to question unsupported claims. As a result, educated people are generally more capable of recognizing irrational beliefs and may also help others understand them.

Nevertheless, education cannot completely eradicate superstition at the present time. Human beings do not yet possess complete knowledge of everything, and unexplained matters still exist. Therefore, total elimination of superstition would require complete knowledge. Even though this is not possible at present, education can significantly reduce the influence of superstitious beliefs throughout the world.

उत्तर :

Superstitions in My Community

Superstition has been associated with human society since ancient times. In the earliest periods, people had little scientific knowledge and were unable to explain many natural and unusual events. This lack of understanding, together with illiteracy and weak reasoning skills, created favourable conditions for superstitious beliefs to develop and survive.

Mahatma Buddha emphasized the importance of reason and taught people to examine, judge and test things before accepting them. Similarly, Guru Nanak and Kabir encouraged people to stay away from blind superstitions. Faith and superstition should not be treated as exactly the same. Faith can have a positive influence on people, whereas superstition generally arises from irrational beliefs and fear.

In earlier village communities, belief in ghosts was widespread. People thought that ghosts were active at night and that some individuals could see them while others could not. Certain clever people exploited these fears by claiming that they could control or remove ghosts. In this way, they deceived innocent villagers. Unfortunately, people who take advantage of such beliefs can still be found today.

A number of traditional superstitions are also found in everyday life. Eye twitching may be interpreted as a sign of an upcoming event. A cat crossing the path is often regarded as unlucky, while meeting a Brahmin may be considered inauspicious. The cawing of a crow is traditionally believed to indicate that a guest may arrive. Likewise, meeting a sweeper early in the morning may be regarded as auspicious.

We should develop a scientific way of thinking and evaluate beliefs through reason rather than accepting them without examination.

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The statement is justified because superstitious beliefs have appeared in almost every society and have influenced different aspects of human life. In ancient times, people often felt helpless when facing natural forces that they could not understand. They therefore attributed unusual events to supernatural powers. Social customs and cultural traditions later helped these beliefs continue through generations.

The Greeks and Pagans worshipped various natural elements by representing them as Gods and Goddesses. Nepalese traditions also contain beliefs connected with the sun, moon, stars, planets and plants. Many people have traditionally believed that such forces can affect human destiny. Even today, when illness or disaster occurs, some people may attribute it to the influence of an evil star. Similar beliefs existed in Western societies as well. Shakespeare's plays, for example, contain references to omens, witches and other supernatural matters.

Several superstitions have remained alive for centuries. The number 13 is still regarded as unlucky by many people. Spilling salt is also considered an ill-omen. In Nepal, some people believe that a black cat crossing their path brings bad luck. The hooting of an owl and the wailing of a dog may likewise be interpreted as signs of misfortune.

These beliefs generally have no logical or scientific foundation. However, their long history and strong cultural roots have made them difficult to eliminate. Despite scientific progress, superstition continues to appear in different areas of everyday life.