The Effect of Ritual. The Magic of Simple Actions — from Habit to Ritual

Exactly at 15:30 Immanuel Kant goes for a walk with a cane in hand. In the evening Agatha Christie eats an apple while taking a bath. And at the end of a difficult day, Charles Dickens takes out a compass... and, ensuring that the head of the bed is facing north, goes to sleep… Indeed, our life consists of numerous routine actions that have become automatic. But if we ascribe meaning to these actions, habits will turn into rituals. So what are the differences between a habit, a ritual, and an obsession? Where did rituals even come from? And how do they help strengthen personal and professional relationships? In answering these and many other questions, Michael Norton explains in detail the important role rituals play in various aspects of our activities, how to turn them to our advantage, overcome difficulties with their help, and make life richer and more interesting.