There is a whole lot we can’t explain like: why are yawns contagious? Or, why do placebos work? Or, why would anyone ever want to keep up with the Kardashians?
But that’s OK to a large minority of Americans who say they don’t need a scientific explanation for everything. Many in fact believe in:
- God (78%)
- Miracles (62%)
- Life on other planets (48%)
- Destiny or fate (44%)
- Ghosts (36%)
- UFOs or aliens (35%)
- Good luck charms (20%)
- Omens (18%)
- Magic (17%)
- Jinxes (12%)
- Fortune telling (10%)
3 out of 4 Americans believe in God and almost 2 in 3 Americans believe in miracles. However, for many other scientifically un-proven things, the jury is still out. A majority of Americans appear skeptical of the other nine items on the list above.
Younger adults under age 40 seem more willing to suspend their disbelief than older adults are, who perhaps have become more sophisticated (some might say cynical) in their advanced years.
And note the gender differences: women are more open to ghosts, miracles and destiny, while men are more willing to accept UFOs and life outside of our own planet. So…more on this later, my space ship is calling.
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