As any living entity, homo sapiens have evolved (genotype and phenotype) to survive in a hostile world. If we are to embrace epigenetics as a viable contribution to this form, which includes favourable alterations to behaviour, then there must be some inherent advantage to the species when behaviour is governed by a decision-making system based upon magical thinking. Our environment determines essential patterns of behaviour. Success in that environment gives birth to complementary behaviour that makes room for provisions such as stories, past down from generation to generation as mythology. These fanciful fabrications serve to assist future generations in grasping some meaning in the world at large even when ‘meaning’ is a human construct. More fiction is sold than non-fiction. In film format documentaries will never supplant the value of a tall tale, or fantasy stories. We don’t curl up and eatpopcorn while watching a documentary about flatworms. Although when a decapitated flatworm grows a new head ... well, that’s kind of cool.
Reality is not easy, but fantasy is palpable, quick and satisfying. Epigenetics through environment may have given rise to our predilection for drama over the elusive truth. Drama is the handmaiden of fear. An atmosphere of contrived dielectic favours tribalism, given buoyancy through propaganda, which are both agents of control. Fear and intimidation, which offers immediate results for the ruthless few that wield it, use myth and stories to consolidate control over mass human behaviour, working like a drug, or like a fungus, so that mankind acts contrary to its own self interest ... bites nature here and there, inflicts one wound after another, uses chemical warfare (which is illegal) to acquire yet more power and then finally smothers the planet in carbon dioxide, like a pillow to the face of an ailing abused landlord. Last time I checked there are no vacancies elsewhere. Nonsense is easy and profitable.
