On Rituals

The Disappearance of Rituals

We are whatever we pretend to be. - Kurt Vonnegut

Byung-Chul Han, in his profound work The Disappearance of Rituals, explores a troubling phenomenon in modern society: the erosion of communal rituals that once served as the bedrock of social cohesion and individual belonging. In a world increasingly dominated by the demands of productivity and individualism, Han argues that rituals—symbolic acts that bind communities and give life a sense of meaning—are vanishing, leaving in their place a culture of disconnection and superficiality.

Rituals have long been central to human life. They are not merely repetitive actions or ceremonies; they are practices imbued with meaning, connecting individuals to something greater than themselves. Whether through religious ceremonies, familial traditions, or community gatherings, rituals transform the mundane into the meaningful. They mark transitions, create stability, and offer individuals a sense of belonging within the broader context of their community. Han describes rituals as “symbolic acts” that shape how we experience the world, imbuing life with rhythm, structure, and significance.

The Erosion of Rituals in Modernity

However, modernity, with its relentless focus on optimization and efficiency, has stripped rituals of their place in daily life. Han points out that in a society obsessed with production and consumption, durability—both in objects and in experiences—is sacrificed at the altar of speed. Everything, from relationships to personal achievements, is consumed and discarded quickly, leaving no room for the deep, sustained engagement that rituals require.

In this fast-paced environment, even the act of communication has become extensive rather than intensive. Han draws a distinction between “symbolic perception,” which fosters deep and meaningful connections, and “serial perception,” which is shallow and fleeting. Social media epitomizes this shift: we are constantly “connected,” yet this connection rarely translates into true community. The digital world, with its endless notifications and ephemeral interactions, further accelerates the disappearance of rituals, replacing them with empty gestures that fail to anchor us to a shared reality.

The Cost of Endless Optimization

One of Han’s most striking critiques lies in his analysis of the neoliberal emphasis on self-optimization and performance. In this paradigm, life is a series of unfinished projects, a perpetual race toward goals that constantly shift. This mindset eliminates the closure and fulfillment that rituals traditionally provided. Life becomes a state of continuous incompletion, where milestones are replaced by metrics, and achievements are judged solely by their utility.

For example, traditional rites of passage—weddings, funerals, and coming-of-age ceremonies—offered moments of reflection and transformation. These rituals were not merely personal; they were communal acts that reinforced social bonds and cultural continuity. In their absence, individuals are left to navigate life’s transitions alone, often without a sense of resolution or support.

Communication Without Community

Han’s analysis also touches on the paradox of contemporary communication: while we are more connected than ever, we are simultaneously more isolated. Extensive communication—marked by its breadth rather than depth—has become the norm. We “like” posts, send quick texts, and engage in surface-level interactions, but these exchanges rarely build the kind of solidarity that true community requires.

This lack of meaningful connection fosters what Han calls “collective narcissism.” In a society where self-creation occurs without reference to a broader social context, individuals become fragmented, prioritizing personal expression over collective well-being. The result is a society of isolated individuals, each performing for an audience rather than participating in a shared narrative.

The Need for a Return to Ritual

The disappearance of rituals has profound implications for both individuals and society as a whole. Without these shared practices, people experience a sense of disorientation, alienation, and rootlessness. Communities lose their cohesion, and individuals struggle to find meaning in their lives.

Han’s critique is not merely pessimistic; it is a call to action. To address the challenges of modern life, we must revisit and revitalize rituals. This does not mean a wholesale return to the past, but rather a thoughtful reimagining of how symbolic practices can fit into contemporary life. Rituals need not be grand or religious to be meaningful; even small, deliberate acts—family dinners, weekly walks, or shared moments of silence—can serve as anchors in a chaotic world.

Reclaiming Stability in a Fragmented World

The philosopher Martin Heidegger once said that humans are “beings-in-the-world,” inherently tied to their surroundings and relationships. Han builds on this idea, suggesting that rituals are the means by which we orient ourselves in the world. Without them, we drift aimlessly, losing touch with both our communities and ourselves.

In a society that prioritizes speed and efficiency, the reintroduction of rituals can provide much-needed stability. They remind us that life is not a race to be won but a journey to be shared. By slowing down and engaging in symbolic acts, we can reclaim a sense of belonging, deepen our relationships, and restore the communal bonds that modernity has so thoroughly eroded.

In Sum

The disappearance of rituals is not just a cultural or philosophical issue; it is a crisis of meaning. Byung-Chul Han’s work serves as both a critique of modernity and a guide for those seeking to reclaim what has been lost. In a world of endless production and shallow communication, rituals offer a path back to depth, connection, and community.

To truly thrive, we must resist the tide of transient interactions and rediscover the power of shared symbolic acts. Only then can we build a society that values not just efficiency, but humanity.