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Beyond usefulness: Symbolic super-attractors in the cultural manifold
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2026
Abstract
Singh sees cultural convergence as people choosing traditions that seem to work well in practice. I build on this by looking at symbolic super attractors, like ancestor worship or cosmic diagrams. These can last for a long time since they fit human ways of thinking and give people a sense of deeper grounding. Unlike practical choices, which are judged by how effective they are, symbolic ones are valued for how well they make sense and hold together. Recognizing both sides gives a clearer picture of how cultures form and endure.
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- © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press
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Target article
Subjective selection, super-attractors, and the origins of the cultural manifold
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Author response
Goals, power, and selection: Foundational issues in the naturalistic study of culture