The Tinkerbell Effect

The Tinkerbell effect is a social and psychological phenomenon where something seems to be true simply because people collectively believe it exists.

Much of human society and civilisation relies on this effect to function; the rule of law and government, national borders, political authority and religion are institutional social constructs. A government or king only holds power because the subjects believe they do.

In Tibetan Buddhism, we are supposed to be with teachers for 12 years or so before we decide whether they are our teacher. I got to 11 years with one lama before he kicked me out … he decided I wasn’t his student. 🙂

For those of us who can no longer believe in Tinkerbells,
it’s an occupational hazard.

We no longer tinker with bells,
or become clanging cymbals.

😀