Considering the advances that mankind has made, especially in the last few decades, it is rather bizarre to see that they go hand in hand with an equally ever increasing basket of varying myths and beliefs. These defy rationality, rely on the existence of the supernatural and probably the most significant – are so ingrained into our cultures and consequently are psyches that most of us adhere to them without second thought.

All cultures in the world have a modicum of faith that guides their existence and provides a framework for a level of moral function. But it is often difficult to find that mysteriously thin line between belief and blind faith. The former gives us much needed spiritual peace in today's chaotic world but the latter can lead to problems and is often no more than a superstitious proposition.

We've all heard of myriad myths while growing up. For instance – never walk under ladders, breaking of mirrors is a bad omen, the ill luck associated with the number 13 or with a black cat crossing your path, not to eat or drink during eclipses – the list could go endlessly on. It's surprising that mankind has evolved to the extent of being able to create artificial intelligence but is still concerned when any of the above happens.

And to think that these are worldwide phenomena is even more astonishing. For example, most hotels in the United Kingdom do not have a thirteenth floor! In India, eclipses are looked upon as unfavorable occurrences and most children are forbidden to eat or drink for certain duration of time and are even told to bathe afterwards to 'cleanse' themselves. Never mind that at least close a half of the world's population is out on beaches actually popping champagne at the beauty of a total solar eclipse.

It is also apparently of no concern that eminent geologists and astronomers have repeatedly endeavored to educate the Indian public on the purely scientific nature of an eclipse and have issued cautions only regarding the viewing of the eclipse and not prohibiting the daily cycle of life as we know it. Sometimes, certain days of the week are considered inauspicious for travel or for weddings or for signing of contracts or commencement of new ventures.