Humanity consists of coevolving software (our religion and culture), firmware (our hardcoded proclivities, such as language acquisition), and hardware (our brains). Ripping out a third of the equation has led to innumerous unintended—and typically negative—consequences. This book offers a guide to rebuilding or fortifying this increasingly neglected aspect of the human condition.

Specifically, The Pragmatist’s Guide to Crafting Religion serves as a playbook for those looking to strengthen traditional cultures in the face of collapsing birth rates or craft entirely new cultures designed to impart strategic advantages to adherents.

Should you listen to this book?

• If you were raised in the absence of a cohesive culture—or don’t like your given culture—but see the value of cultural and religious traditions, this book is for you.
• If you worry your culture or religion will go extinct and would like to see it endure across generations, this book is for you.
• If you have ever thought about inventing a religion or starting a cult, this book is for you.

This book will neither be pleasant nor useful to those who don’t want large families as it defines a successful culture as one that sustainably spreads over the long term—which, outside of a few niche exceptions, requires high birth rates.