Most dangerous myth/story & why?

In your opinion, what is the most dangerous* myth, story, tale, folklore, ect. for us (or maybe you) humans, and why do you say that?





* for those of you who are more focused and engaged than the statistical norm suggests, the similarity of this post to another I just made may seem jarring; however, if you have made it this far, you are also probably also aware that it ain't all the holy schnitz out there, there's piles of dirt surrounding every gold nugget, so you might as well flash the downs while you expose the ups.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by B. de Corbin

In your opinion, what is the most dangerous* myth, story, tale, folklore, ect. for us (or maybe you) humans, and why do you say that?





* for those of you who are more focused and engaged than the statistical norm suggests, the similarity of this post to another I just made may seem jarring; however, if you have made it this far, you are also probably also aware that it ain't all the holy schnitz out there, there's piles of dirt surrounding every gold nugget, so you might as well flash the downs while you expose the ups.

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Nobody bit at this one, so I'll raise it from de dead.

In my opinion, there is a particular strain of foolish that finds it's origins in religion, but cross-contamination slips it's evil aroma into politics, human relationships, and even the food we eat and the hair we cut.

So what is this horrid, fetid, rotting philosophy of doodoo?

Very simple: The Myth of the Golden Age.

The irrational belief (for those of us who are aware of history) that there was some time in the past where everything was RIGHT, people were where they belonged on the steppes or in the jungle, men were strong and proud, women were all slender and foxy (but also fierce when protecting children), nobody questioned the beliefs of the tribe, ANF harmony guided the planets...

But then... It all went to hell because somebody dissed da gods, and we've been sinking in our own garbage ever since.

Do I need to explain why this belief is destructive?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by B. de Corbin

Nobody bit at this one, so I'll raise it from de dead.

In my opinion, there is a particular strain of foolish that finds it's origins in religion, but cross-contamination slips it's evil aroma into politics, human relationships, and even the food we eat and the hair we cut.

So what is this horrid, fetid, rotting philosophy of doodoo?

Very simple: The Myth of the Golden Age.

The irrational belief (for those of us who are aware of history) that there was some time in the past where everything was RIGHT, people were where they belonged on the steppes or in the jungle, men were strong and proud, women were all slender and foxy (but also fierce when protecting children), nobody questioned the beliefs of the tribe, ANF harmony guided the planets...

But then... It all went to hell because somebody dissed da gods, and we've been sinking in our own garbage ever since.

Do I need to explain why this belief is destructive?

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I guess, I'll summon the other side of this myth.

DOOM!!!!

We have fallen so far from the Golden Age, society is has degraded so much that we're all f-ed for one reason or another, there's no escape any longer...

WE'RE DOOMED!!!

I rarely encounter DOOM!!! without an attached Golden Age myth but the two don't have to go together.

For a slightly more damaging myth, "I'm obviously right, therefore my opponent has some vile conspiracy against me." Assuming malice whenever there's significant disagreement makes working with other people difficult.

I'd agree with you, except that you are obviously evil
& corrupt.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by B. de Corbin

I'd agree with you, except that you are obviously evil
& corrupt.

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I'm tempted to argue that mortals wouldn't know what corruption looks like in eldritch horrors but most horrors might find my fondness for pizza to out of place. I'm leaving the charge of evil alone. :cool:

the myth that you can pull yourself up from absolute poverty just by your boot heels

That any given person or group was beloved or hated by the gods.