Breaking Free from Mystical Logic

The Intelligence of Crows: Misunderstood Genius

Did you know that crows are among the most intelligent animals in the world? Their cognitive abilities are exceptional, comparable to those of primates in some aspects.

Some examples of their intelligence include:

- Tool Usage: Crows can use and even create tools to obtain food, such as bending wires to retrieve food from tight spaces.

- Problem Solving: Experiments show that crows can solve multi-step puzzles, understand cause and effect, and remember solutions for future use.

- Sharp Memory: They recognize human faces, remember who treated them well or poorly, and can even warn other crows about dangerous individuals.

- Complex Communication: Crows use sophisticated communication to warn each other about threats or share information about food locations.

- Social and Strategic Behavior: They often cooperate in finding food and can even "deceive" other crows by pretending to hide food in one place while actually storing it elsewhere.

Because of their intelligence, crows are symbols of wisdom in some cultures. However, they are also considered omens of bad luck or even associated with evil spirits.

From Omens to Superstitions: How Society Creates Fear

Why are crows often seen as a sign of misfortune? There are several reasons behind this belief:

- Association with Death: Crows are scavengers often found near battlefields or cemeteries, leading people to associate them with death and the spirit world.

- Black Color Symbolism: Black is often linked to mystery, darkness, and the unknown, creating an eerie image.

- Eerie, Raspy Calls: Their distinct, harsh calls sound ominous, especially in isolated places or at night.

- Traditional Myths and Beliefs:

- In Europe, crows were linked to witches and evil spirits.

- In Norse mythology, crows were associated with Odin, the god of war and death.

- In Japan and China, crows were believed to carry messages from the other world.

This belief system, developed centuries ago, still influences some people today. Similarly, in the 13th century, Pope Gregory IX issued the “Vox in Roma” decree, condemning black cats as satanic creatures. This indirectly led to the Black Death pandemic, as the mass killing of cats allowed rat populations (which carried plague-infested fleas) to grow uncontrollably.

The Influence of ‘Mystical Logic’ on Society

Why do such superstitions persist? Tan Malaka, in his book *Madilog* (Materialism, Dialectics, and Logic), published in 1942, explains this phenomenon.

According to Tan Malaka, Mystical Logic (Logika Mistika) is a way of thinking that relies on supernatural beliefs, superstitions, and uncritical dogma rather than reason and scientific knowledge. This was common in feudal and colonial societies and, unfortunately, still prevails in some communities today.

Tan Malaka describes three stages of thought development:

1. Mystical Thinking: Full of myths and blind beliefs. Example: Assuming diseases are caused by evil spirits rather than seeking scientific explanations.

2. Logical Thinking: Beginning to use reason but still limited to formal logic without recognizing contradictions in reality.

3. Materialist Dialectics: The highest stage, where scientific reasoning is based on materialism, and changes in the world are understood through contradictions (dialectics).

Real-World Examples of Mystical Logic in Modern Times

Tan Malaka’s ideas remain relevant in analyzing how society clings to irrational beliefs, even in today’s modern world.

For instance, many people are afraid of cemeteries, believing them to be haunted. Logically speaking, a cemetery is merely a resting place for the dead, and the deceased cannot harm the living. Strangely, those who believe in supernatural beings often dismiss science fiction, despite the fact that sci-fi often contributes to technological advancements. For example, Star Wars (1977) showcased touchscreen computers—now an everyday reality.

Another example is the myth that women should not go hiking while menstruating because their blood will attract “guardian spirits” that might abduct them. However, the actual reason menstruating women are advised against hiking is:

1. Menstruation can cause fatigue.

2. Hiking requires significant physical energy.

3. Higher altitudes mean lower oxygen levels.

Understanding these logical explanations helps us move away from unfounded fears.

Moving Forward: Encouraging a Logical and Scientific Mindset

Tan Malaka encouraged Indonesians to break free from the grip of Mystical Logic and adopt a more advanced, reality-based way of thinking.

Let’s challenge irrational beliefs and embrace a mindset that prioritizes logic and science. By doing so, we can avoid being deceived by baseless superstitions and make better-informed decisions in life.