Why do symbols and ideas have power?

Answer 1

they have power of meaning

Answer 2

It is what they represent that give them power.

Think of what the swastika flag of Nazi Germany represented. The days of Nazi Germany are over, but the symbol is representative of an evil, dark place from the past that still has a lot of relevance to modern times.

It still has the power to frighten, intimidate and outrage. The flag itself has no power, the idea it represents always will.

Evil people still use it towards that end.

Answer 3

Power is the ability to impose one's ideas on others.....but there is often resistance...I believe symbols give life to our thoughts and ideas whether they come from the "power maker" or the "power resister"...it's all "power" just skewed into different symbols

Answer 4

Symbols connect to ideas that carry powerful passions.
Passions drive commitment and dedication. Dedication leads to sacrifice.
For good or ill actually.
Zealotry in many forms is the cause of much of the worlds anguish right now.

Answer 5

People since the beginning of recorded time have been and are desperate for peacefulness. Desperate people can be very easily led, Those that lead them know this so therefore keep them convinced they are doomed to be desperate till death.
To control them they confuse them with non-tangible ideas that really have no meaning and symbols to signify these baseless ideologies.

Answer 6

they only have the power we give them.

Answer 7

It is a form of brain washing and propaganda, used to mobilize and pacify the masses.

Answer 8

because you have to figure them out
/l\