Cultural practices reflect beliefs from "summary" of How the World Thinks by Julian Baggini
Cultural practices are not arbitrary customs that exist in isolation. They are deeply rooted in the beliefs and values of a society. When we observe the way people in a particular culture behave, we are actually seeing a manifestation of their underlying beliefs. This is because cultural practices are not random; they are purposeful expressions of what a group of people hold to be true. Take, for example, the Japanese tea ceremony. To an outsider, this elaborate ritual may seem like a simple way to prepare and enjoy a cup of tea. But to the Japanese, it is much more than that. The precision and attention to detail in the tea ceremony reflect core values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. These values are central to Japanese culture, and they are embodied in the way the tea ceremony is performed. Similarly, the Hindu practice of yoga is not just a...
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