MONSTERS AND MEN: WHY WE BELIEVE IN THE UNBELIEVABLE
Why do some of us have this irrational need to believe in monsters? What is it about the monster under the bed, or the large hairy creature crashing through the woods, or the slimy serpent lurking in the lake that fascinates us so? Although our rational minds know that the likelihood of them existing is, scientifically, extremely small, we still continue to believe. We want them to exist. We need them to exist.
Believe it or not, monsters fulfill an important psychological role. They offer a window into the realms of our imagination, into mystery, and the unknown - fundamental aspects of the human experience. Although they often spark fear, it is a healthy fear; the unknown should frighten us. Life lived wholly on the logical, sensible plane is not good for us intellectually, creatively, or even spiritually.
But what is a monster? There is an element of subjectivity in our definition, as they come in many incarnations and what is monstrous to one may not illicit fear in another. As they are figments of our imagination, they are surprisingly durable. They have managed to remain current, evolving through stories and periodic input from various cultural sources. Many of our favorite weird and wonderful monstrous friends are simply the evolution of old tales that have filtered through the ages.
Perhaps the biggest allure that monsters have lies in their ability to spark our curiosity and sense of wonder, serving as catalysts for exploration and discovery – both physical and mental – that encourage us to delve into unexplored corners of our world. The search for them often leads to the exploration of remote and untouched landscapes, fostering an appreciation for the diversity of our planet's real ecosystems and occasionally leading to the discovery of previously unknown creatures; the imagined connecting with the physical.
Secondly, monsters do have a very real cultural significance, with origins deeply rooted in folklore, legends, and indigenous traditions, passed down from generation to generation. They provide us with a sense of connection to our ancestors and can offer valuable insights into how societies have historically perceived the unknown, and the ways by which they navigated their relationship with the natural world.
Believing in monsters also speaks to our innate fascination with the mysterious and the possibility of the something existing beyond our understanding. As the world rapidly loses its mysteries, with everything increasingly explained by science and rationality, the existence of things which defy logic hints at the limits of our knowledge. Monsters remind us that we can´t explain everything, and that there are secrets still waiting to be unraveled. We need that, or life threatens to become very dull.
Finally, the pursuit of monsters can foster a sense of adventure and camaraderie among enthusiasts. They have created communities of like-minded individuals who come together to share stories, theories, and experiences, forming bonds through their mutual passion, especially since the coming of the Internet. While the existence of monsters remains unsubstantiated by empirical evidence, our belief serves a profound purpose. They inspire creativity, fuel exploration, and keep alive a sense of wonder and awe that is crucial for our emotional and intellectual growth. Ultimately, whether they exist or not, the stories and fascination with monsters enriches us and constantly remind us of the enduring power of imagination.
Why do some of us have this irrational need to believe in monsters? What is it about the monster under the bed, or the large hairy creature crashing through the woods, or the slimy serpent lurking in the lake that fascinates us so? Although our rational minds know that the likelihood of them existing is, scientifically, extremely small, we still continue to believe. We want them to exist. We need them to exist.
Believe it or not, monsters fulfill an important psychological role. They offer a window into the realms of our imagination, into mystery, and the unknown - fundamental aspects of the human experience. Although they often spark fear, it is a healthy fear; the unknown should frighten us. Life lived wholly on the logical, sensible plane is not good for us intellectually, creatively, or even spiritually.
But what is a monster? There is an element of subjectivity in our definition, as they come in many incarnations and what is monstrous to one may not illicit fear in another. As they are figments of our imagination, they are surprisingly durable. They have managed to remain current, evolving through stories and periodic input from various cultural sources. Many of our favorite weird and wonderful monstrous friends are simply the evolution of old tales that have filtered through the ages.
Perhaps the biggest allure that monsters have lies in their ability to spark our curiosity and sense of wonder, serving as catalysts for exploration and discovery – both physical and mental – that encourage us to delve into unexplored corners of our world. The search for them often leads to the exploration of remote and untouched landscapes, fostering an appreciation for the diversity of our planet's real ecosystems and occasionally leading to the discovery of previously unknown creatures; the imagined connecting with the physical.
Secondly, monsters do have a very real cultural significance, with origins deeply rooted in folklore, legends, and indigenous traditions, passed down from generation to generation. They provide us with a sense of connection to our ancestors and can offer valuable insights into how societies have historically perceived the unknown, and the ways by which they navigated their relationship with the natural world.
Believing in monsters also speaks to our innate fascination with the mysterious and the possibility of the something existing beyond our understanding. As the world rapidly loses its mysteries, with everything increasingly explained by science and rationality, the existence of things which defy logic hints at the limits of our knowledge. Monsters remind us that we can´t explain everything, and that there are secrets still waiting to be unraveled. We need that, or life threatens to become very dull.
Finally, the pursuit of monsters can foster a sense of adventure and camaraderie among enthusiasts. They have created communities of like-minded individuals who come together to share stories, theories, and experiences, forming bonds through their mutual passion, especially since the coming of the Internet. While the existence of monsters remains unsubstantiated by empirical evidence, our belief serves a profound purpose. They inspire creativity, fuel exploration, and keep alive a sense of wonder and awe that is crucial for our emotional and intellectual growth. Ultimately, whether they exist or not, the stories and fascination with monsters enriches us and constantly remind us of the enduring power of imagination.
