The history of knocking on wood
resobscura.substack.comAs someone who was around in the 90ies, I think I would have found a way to work in the Bosstones, but it's pretty interesting just the same. I'll also have to look up what people write about "tocca ferro" in Italian.
The same expression "tocar ferro" was used traditionally in Catalan instead of knock on wood. Ferro translates as iron. Iron in this expression refers to a sword. More than trusting in good luck or some sort of supra natural protection, the expression "tocar ferro" conveys a sense of self reliance, of being prepared and confident.
> Most of human nature is never written down — and machines can't learn it from text
Well, the conclusion of the article is that humans cannot either, it's not like humans have some magical conduit towards truth.
Not uncommon that people will knock on their heads if nothing wooden is in arm‘s reach. (Which - head of wood - which I always see as a nice little act of humility)