> I think it's a mistake (and ahistorical) to assume that these methods are intended to improve people's well being. The religions existing in the world today a

> I think it's a mistake (and ahistorical) to assume that these methods are intended to improve people's well being. The religions existing in the world today are here BECAUSE they were the most effective at altering peoples behavior. These techniques and rituals are the phenotypes of memetic viruses. I think you're right there. With the world being a constantly subtly (and often dramatically) changing dynamic system ... things that end up withstanding millenia are mostly those that have had more inherent robustness than the alternatives ... and especially with successful organisations, longevity implies rather that they were systems good at using, increasing and conserving their own power and that of their members than that they had good intentions.