Aaron Willey described how folk-magic and superstition captivated the human mind.

It is truly surprising to see what an ascendancy of these absurd and superstitious notions have gained over the human mind. They seem to have prevailed, in a greater or less degree, in all ages, and among all nations. They had their origin in the early stages of society, while the mental faculties were shrouded in clouds and darkness. As modern science began to dispel these unfriendly shades, their empire became considerably shaken. But in no country has knowledge become sufficiently diffused to wholly eradicate these long established errors. Although the present is an age of intellectual light, and prejudices are daily vanishing before the bright illumination of truth, yet these irrational and preposterous opinions are still found to predominate over the minds of numerous classes of honest, but credulous and unlettered citizens. Indeed, they are sometimes cherished by those who have just pretensions to information above mediocrity.