A Talisman is a symbol that indicates beliefs and values to yourself and others. An inevitable dashboard, talismans indicate priorities as tokens for ideologies that are a life-compass. Talismans are both internal and external. While they can be a panacea for anxiety about an issue, they can also be misleading to yourself and others. Talismans are a ubiquitous psychological and sociological construct.
Talismans are a reminder of values
A talisman is a symbol of belief. Talismans are used when a person does not fully understand (or internalize) the concept they are espousing. The individual is identifying ideals important to them, though they may not completely embrace or incorporate the associated ideology.
Talismans are what a person says to themselves. Does one have to practice their faith regularly (and demonstrably) in order to impart its importance in their life? Not necessarily; talismans do that for them.
Talismans are also used to either bring luck or ward off evil. A rabbit’s foot or horseshoe would address the former and a dreamcatcher, the latter. If you think of superstitions, most talismans keep harmful events or judgments at bay.
Talismans are signals to outsiders
Talismans are what a person conveys about themselves to the outside world. While a talisman symbolizes a person’s values, it is also a visual symbol to others. Purchasing a product because of its brand association is an overt way to peacock that brand’s values. Collections signify an interest to others and are not actual tools. Bookcases display schools of thought. Gifts are talismans as they are your values imprinted onto others.
Talismans cure anxiety
To paraphrase Tyler Cowen in a Tim Ferriss podcast, people adopt a talisman “…for a complex psychological reason to process an idea and be done with it and not necessarily to really incorporate…” a solution to their anxiety. Additionally, “There’s two reasons you might go to therapy. One is to feel you did something about your problem and that could itself make you better (the talisman). The other is that your actual conversation with the therapist is useful (the solution).” Feeling conflicted about an issue, a person may address it through a Talisman, which can quell their anxiety.
Most Talismans cause others (or ourself) to assume incorrect things
Talismans are frequently misleading. Remember that Talismans represent what we say to ourselves and to others. We may be liars; we may be aspirational. We would like to be authentic, but usually are not. The value or belief that the talisman is signifying may not yet be incorporated into our identity. Be wary of talismans.
Talismans impact society
Talismans are everywhere. Relentlessly devised over time, they are manifestations of how we define ourselves internally and externally. As a building block to our identity, talismans take a prominent role in our psychology. Arising in our mind, they impact our mental and emotional state. Conveying your values to others, and others towards you, talismans play a critical interpersonal role. They inform the development, structure, and functioning of society.
Talismans are deep-rooted and factor into behavior and decisions. Constantly at work, they signify values but can also be misleading.