as a literal prophecy.
Why Do People Connect Old Predictions to Modern Life?
There’s a fascinating psychological process behind this.
When a prediction is vague enough, people can compare it with many different events.
Suppose an old text mentions animals, wealth, disease, war, or a mysterious change in society.
Centuries later, someone may notice an event that appears to match one of those themes.
The connection can then spread online.
Once thousands of people see the interpretation, it can begin to sound like established historical fact—even if the original text
