You suggest folly as a possible explanation, but there are a few problems with the cogency of that.
1) You point to nothing in this paper, other research, my comment, or contemporary comments of others to support that hypothesis.
2) The behavior you describe skeptically could match equally well a society where most people live unaware of a great truth hidden to them, in part because the government has made even acquiring information illegal.
In North Korea, a small minority whisper fantastical ideas that are difficult to comprehend, let alone believe. Most of the world is not starving. Places exist with untold self-determination. Our leader is not God. These people often speak with an almost "evangelical zeal".
3) Do you see me doing thrill-seeker liquor store holdups with a "Born to Lose" tattoo on my chest? Ok that was De Niro, but the point is how do you explain people who do not fit the profile? I am not new age, spiritual, or culturally connected to these ideas. I resent mysticism, super natural forces, and magic.
Of course I accept the possibility of being wrong. But the little recent research governments have allowed hasn't yet pointed to that. And until it does how can I deny things that, while anecdotal, are based on first hand observations?
Maybe we'll have solid data some day, if I'm wrong I'll buy you a beer.
I'm pointing to a basic desire for evidence when presented with claims, especially extraordinary ones, especially when presented with religious fervor. That is all.
1) You point to nothing in this paper, other research, my comment, or contemporary comments of others to support that hypothesis.
2) The behavior you describe skeptically could match equally well a society where most people live unaware of a great truth hidden to them, in part because the government has made even acquiring information illegal.
In North Korea, a small minority whisper fantastical ideas that are difficult to comprehend, let alone believe. Most of the world is not starving. Places exist with untold self-determination. Our leader is not God. These people often speak with an almost "evangelical zeal".
3) Do you see me doing thrill-seeker liquor store holdups with a "Born to Lose" tattoo on my chest? Ok that was De Niro, but the point is how do you explain people who do not fit the profile? I am not new age, spiritual, or culturally connected to these ideas. I resent mysticism, super natural forces, and magic.
Of course I accept the possibility of being wrong. But the little recent research governments have allowed hasn't yet pointed to that. And until it does how can I deny things that, while anecdotal, are based on first hand observations?
Maybe we'll have solid data some day, if I'm wrong I'll buy you a beer.