The Manufacture of Ancient Traditions to Keep People Under Control

Rulers created the customs people now defend with emotion, turning political tricks into sacred duties.

Ask anyone where a ritual came from and they’ll point vaguely to “our ancestors,” as if some wise old council spent centuries polishing sacred truths for us. But if you dare to look closer, you'll see it feels less like spiritual wisdom and more like a political workshop. You start seeing fingerprints — kings, priests, generals, tax collectors — all qui…