Re: How prevalent is magic?

From: bryan_thx <bethexton_at_...>
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:24:54 -0000

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> I agree with all of this, but Bryan's point about rational ignorance can be more important in some cultures than in others. Successful, powerful, confident cultures in favorable geography may push the bounds of knowledge. Barely surviving cultures in harsh climes will be much more conservative about exploration.
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Good point! But I'd also argue that even in succesful, wealthy, cultures _most_ people have only pretty limited knowledge. The wealth helps support specialists who can figure out, pass along, and use this knowledge. But I think the average farmer, trader, etc will still have a much more limited knowledge--the difference with the more marginal cultures is that they have access to people who DO have that knowledge.