2.1 wsc#25

Why did humans historically seek prophecy or divination?

• To entertain themselves

• To gain control over uncertain events and reduce anxiety

• To prove their intelligence

• To replace social interactions

Nostradamus is famous for:

• Being a mathematician

• Writing prophecies interpreted as predicting future events

• Creating the first printing press

• Inventing astrology

Which quality of poetry makes it useful for perceived prophecy?

• Ambiguity that allows flexible interpretation

• Strict factual accuracy

• Numeric predictions

• Legal authority

Which poem is often considered symbolic rather than literal prophecy?

• Emily Dickinson’s “The Future—never spoke”

• Isaac Newton’s Principia

• William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”

• Homer’s Iliad

Why were techniques like haruspicy and ornithomancy widely believed in the past?

• They were scientifically proven

• Cultural, religious reinforcement and psychological comfort

• People were illiterate

• They were fun games

Which ancient divination method is still widely practiced today?

• Haruspicy

• Astrology

• Pyro-osteomancy

• Scyphomancy

Oneiromancy involves:

• Observing bird flight

• Interpreting dreams

• Reading burned bones

• Casting dice

What is bibliomancy?

• Predicting events using dice

• Selecting random text from a book for guidance

• Observing water patterns

• Reading animal entrails

Which is a modern equivalent of ancient divination?

• Tarot cards or horoscope apps

• Astrology only in newspapers

• Watching weather forecasts

• Printing newspapers

What common human behavior explains belief in divination?

• Pattern-seeking and desire for control over uncertainty

• Desire to impress friends

• Superstitious fear only

• Hunger