Why Do Some Believe in Non-Existents Entities Like Unicorns?
Why do people believe in things that do not exist, such as unicorns? This question has puzzled scholars and philosophers for centuries. The belief in mythological or non-existent entities is often rooted in a variety of factors, including a desire for pleasant fantasies, cultural indoctrination, and the pursuit of financial gain.
Belief in Pleasant Fantasies
Some individuals believe in non-existent entities like unicorns because it makes them feel good or satisfied. The idea of a mythical creature, with its unique and enchanting qualities, can be a source of comfort and joy. For these people, the belief in unicorns is more about the emotional relief and pleasure it brings rather than seeking the truth.
Cultural Indoctrination and Refusal to Change
Others may have been taught from a very young age that certain beliefs are true, and they refuse to change their perspectives, even when presented with contradicting evidence. Cultural indoctrination can play a significant role in shaping an individual's beliefs, especially when these beliefs are passed down through generations.
The Role of Financial Gain and Scamming
In some cases, individuals and organizations may pretend to believe in non-existent entities for financial gain. Pretending to believe in unicorns, for example, can be part of a scam or a deceptive marketing strategy. This belief can be maintained even if the person knows it is not true, to avoid losing the financial benefits associated with it.
The Role of Religious Affiliation
The Catholic Church has, historically, been strict about the Bible. For instance, it used to be that even Catholic priests were not allowed to have a Bible, and possessing even a single page of the Bible could lead to severe consequences. Similarly, there were times when people were killed for having a Bible. This strict control over the Bible extended to its translations and distribution.
Evolution of the Bible and King James Version
King James, a prominent figure in English history, was against the spread of the Bible to the masses. He realized that the original English translations of the Bible were being smuggled into England, which threatened his control over religious matters. To counter this, King James ordered the creation of the King James Version (KJB), which included 36,000 words added, removed, or changed.
It is crucial to critically examine the King James Version and compare it with other biblical texts. Many other Bibles do not contain references to unicorns or mentions of creatures that do not exist. This implies that certain changes made to the KJB may have been done to align with specific theological beliefs or to control the interpretation of the text.
The Real Unicorn
Historical and scientific research has shown that there is a real creature that people historically referred to as a unicorn. This creature, often depicted as a horse with a horn, is known as the Okapi (Okapia johnstoni). The Okapi is a real animal that exists today, though it is rare and nearly extinct.
In ancient times, people may have referred to the Okapi as a unicorn because of its distinctive features and rarity. However, many modern depictions of unicorns stray far from the Okapi's actual appearance. The ancient reference to unicorns was based on the Okapi, not on a fictional horse with a horn.
The Bible did not describe the Okapi as a unicorn, but rather as a strange, wild beast that did not fit into the natural world as understood by ancient people. Therefore, the belief in unicorns is not necessarily a lie or deception, as it was based on the limited knowledge and imagination of the ancients.
It is important to conduct thorough research to understand the true nature of mythical creatures. By doing so, we can challenge our beliefs and expand our knowledge of the world. Refusing to acknowledge the existence of the Okapi as a real animal merely perpetuates ignorance and overlooks the rich tapestry of scientific and historical knowledge.