Why Do Some People Believe in ‘Fortunes’ or ‘Predictions’?

People believe in fortunes because they want to feel connected to the future. Like when you open a fortune cookie and it says, 'You will find success this year.' That makes you think something good is going to happen soon. It's like having a secret message from your future self! Some people even look at horoscopes, which are like predictions about what will happen in the next day or week.

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Examples

A kid opens a fortune cookie and reads, 'You will make a new friend soon.' That makes them excited for school the next day.
A mom checks her horoscope and sees, 'Good luck at work today!' She feels more confident when she goes to her job.
A person buys a lottery ticket after seeing, 'A lucky number is coming your way.'

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Categories: Philosophy · belief,prediction,fortune,psychology of belief,future