I am inclined to think that my life is a pretty good exemplification
of the theories propounded by Lester Anderson in his interesting and
provocative article on Superstition. Anyhow, I was born on Friday the
13th, under Capricornus and Saturn, and have been flirting with most
of the other orthodox jinxes ever since. I do not whistle in the dark,
I have never gone in for Dream Books or psychoanalysis, and I make a
habit of walking under ladders when it is more convenient to do this
than circumambulate the obstruction. As to black cats--well, I have
owned one for many years--a most sinister-looking creature, with all
the aspects of an old-time wizard's familiar. Perhaps all this may help
to explain the kumiss in the cocoanut, and may account for my ability
to peruse the most horrendous stuff without batting an eyelash. Also
(since there are modern superstitions as well as ancient ones) it may
throw a light on my complete lack of faith in the Five year plan,
EPIC, and all other cockeyed Utopian schemes. Moreover, it may help to
explain my open mind in regard to all outre and inexplicable phenomena,
and the fact that I can take the theories of Einstein, as well as of
modern science in general, with a salutary pinch of saline seasoning.
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