The Success of Shared Fictions: Why Abstract Concepts Like Love Outshine God

In the intricate tapestry of human beliefs and cultural narratives, abstract concepts such as 'love' and 'nation' hold a unique and powerful position. In contrast, the concept of 'God' often struggles to gain the same traction. This article delves into why people who readily embrace abstract relationships like 'love' do not quickly accept the abstract existence of a divine being. Taking insights from Yuval Noah Harari, we explore the concept of shared fictions and their implications for our understanding of these abstract entities.

Abstract Concepts and Shared Fictions

Definition of Shared Fictions: Yuval Noah Harari's thesis posits that our ability to cooperate flexibly in large numbers is due to our capacity to believe and adhere to shared fictions. These tales, which are not necessarily grounded in reality, enable us to form cooperative bonds. The concepts of 'nation', 'love', and 'God' all fall under this category of shared fictions, but we will focus on the specific context of 'God' in this discussion.

Abstract Concepts: Abstract concepts like 'nation' and 'love' are real to us because they are evidenced through human behavior and relationships. For instance, when we refer to 'love', we are not merely speaking of a concept but a lived experience that we share and understand through our interactions with each other. Similarly, the idea of a 'nation' is a shared fiction that unites diverse individuals under a common identity and purpose.

The Representation of God: A Key Concept in Shared Fictions

God as an Abstract Concept: When we speak of the concept of 'God', we acknowledge it as an abstract entity. However, the believers in 'God' often contend that it is no less real than the concepts of 'nation' or 'love'. The question arises: why do people who believe in abstract relational entities like 'love' find it difficult to accept the existence of an abstract deity?

Comparison with Successful Shared Fictions: Harari points out that money is perhaps the most successful shared fiction in our society. We believe in the value of paper money because we believe that everyone else does. This collective belief enables large-scale economic cooperation. Similarly, the shared fiction of 'God' has been historically successful, especially when we consider the various forms of monotheistic and polytheistic gods across cultures. However, the concept of 'God' is not universally accepted, and there are those who argue that it is merely a shared fiction without a basis in reality.

Nonfungibility of Abstract Relationships

Abstract Relationships and Reality: While 'love' and 'nation' are abstract concepts, they are the product of real human behaviors and relationships. They are lived experiences that have tangible effects and outcomes. On the other hand, the concept of 'God' often lacks this tangible connection to reality. It is an abstract entity that does not have a physical manifestation that can be directly experienced by everyone.

Religious and Belief Influence: The failure of the shared fiction of 'God' to gain universal acceptance might be due to the fact that newer and better shared fictions, such as modern scientific understanding and ethical reasoning, provide a more objective and non-fictional basis for our beliefs and actions. Consider the influence of secular humanism and philosophical rationalism, which often offer alternative grounding for moral and ethical conduct.

Conclusion: The Power of Shared Fictions

Shared fictions, whether they be 'nation', 'love', or 'God', play a crucial role in human societies. They enable cooperation, foster community, and provide a sense of purpose. While the concept of 'God' has historically been a powerful shared fiction, it faces challenges in maintaining its relevance and acceptance in the face of increasingly non-fictional and objective worldviews.

The success of abstract concepts like 'love' lies in their relatability and applicability to human experiences. They provide tangible benefits and real-world benefits that are often absent in the abstract existence of a deity. As we continue to evolve and our beliefs change, it is important to recognize the role of shared fictions in shaping our understanding of the world and to question the basis of our shared beliefs.