Bokononism is a fictional religion created by author Kurt Vonnegut, playing a central role in his acclaimed 1963 novel, Cat's Cradle. It is characterized by its unique blend of cynical fatalism and a deeply spiritual, yet ultimately deceptive, pursuit of meaning.
Origins and Core Tenets
Bokononism was conceived by Lionel Boyd Johnson, who adopted the name Bokonon. Alongside his companion, Earl McCabe, he established a society on the impoverished Caribbean island of San Lorenzo. Realizing that the truth of their situation was too bleak, Bokonon deliberately fabricated an elaborate, comforting, and contradictory religion to give the islanders a sense of purpose and hope.
Key characteristics of Bokononism include:
- Foma: Harmless untruths, which Bokonon himself openly admits are the foundation of his religion. This concept underscores the religion's deliberate construction of comforting lies.
- Karass: A team of individuals unknowingly working together to do God's will. Bokonon teaches that humanity is organized into these spiritual teams, often without their conscious knowledge.
- Wampeter: The pivot of a karass, around which the lives of its members revolve. It can be anything from an object to an idea.
- Duprass: A karass of only two people, an extremely rare occurrence.
- Granfalloon: A false karass, a seemingly meaningful association of people that is actually meaningless in the spiritual sense (e.g., a nation, a university).
Summary of Bokononism
For a quick overview, here are the key aspects of Bokononism:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Fictional religion, satire |
| Origin | Kurt Vonnegut's 1963 novel Cat's Cradle |
| Setting | Secretly practiced by the people of San Lorenzo |
| Founder | Lionel Boyd Johnson (Bokonon) |
| Core Belief | Life is meaningless without comforting "foma" (harmless untruths) |
| Key Ritual | Boko-maru (rubbing bare soles of feet for spiritual connection) |
The Supreme Act: Boko-maru
The most profound and intimate religious act within Bokononism is called boko-maru. This ritual consists of any two worshippers rubbing the bare soles of their feet together. The purpose of boko-maru is to inspire a deep spiritual connection between the individuals, allowing them to share an intensely personal and empathetic moment. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is considered the supreme act of worship and communion within the Bokononist faith, embodying the religion's emphasis on human connection, even if based on shared foma.
Bokononism, with its intentional contradictions and focus on comforting lies, serves as a powerful commentary on the human need for meaning, the nature of truth, and the role of religion in society.
