Joe Conway Outside Reading #2

I recently read an article about a new model of pilgrimage based on human behavioral ecology and decision theory. This model argues that religious affiliation can lead to a number of social benefits, therefore it is something that can be faked with relative ease. This goes on to the point that pilgrimages can be experienced and undergone by anybody, but the real effects can only be understood on a personal level. This made me realize that pilgrimages can only fulfill you on a personal level, and should not be made for anyone else but yourself.