The Elements, Origins, Costs, and Benefits of Imaginary Realities

Abstract Imaginary realities include our myths, religions, superstitions, magical beliefs, folk theories of nature and medicine, and other supernatural beliefs. The propensity for creating and living by imaginary realities is a distinctly human psychological trait. Imaginary realities enable us to function effectively in the world by making our anxieties and fears manageable. The elements of imaginary realities include souls, supernatural beings, animism and anthropomorphism, teleology, magical beliefs, spiritual leaders, thought power, immanent justice, and self and identity beliefs. The psychological sources of imaginary realities include egocentrism; the tendency to confuse correlation and causation; the need for understanding and control; and the real effects of the imaginary (e.g., the placebo effect). Imaginary realities have several social functions, promoting the 4 Cs: coordination, cooperation, cohesion, and conformity. Unlike psychotic delusions, imaginary realities are shared beliefs with beneficial social effects. They are crucial to our ability to endure confusion and suffering, and sometimes even turn suffering into joy.