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There appeared to be more skeptics than believers when a Professor Shaw, self-proclaimed scientist, classical scholar, and creator (and likely sole proprietor) of the Science of Electro-Anthropology began touring south Louisiana just before the Civil War.
People said his lectures were entertaining, sometimes amusing, but probably had little to do with science. Reading the old accounts, it seems to this unscientific mind that electro-anthropology was nothing more than plain old hypnotism, but that he was very good at it.

Conventional wisdom, common consensus, and general opinion. Regardless of what label you give it, people look to others for approval and acceptance before they embark on a particular path. The thought of being criticized is a terrifying thought for most. How many people have been dissuaded from pursuing their goals due the negative reaction from those with whom they have shared their dreams?

Every year about this time, when the Mississippi begins to fill with snowmelt and rainwater from the north, talk begins again about the possibility of the Atchafalaya grabbing almost all of the water from the big river — with dire consequences on both of the streams.