Lexicon: Static Religion

The Etymology

Coined by Henri Bergson in his final major work, The Two Sources of Morality and Religion (1932). He distinguishes between Static Religion (Defensive) and Dynamic Religion (Creative).

The Definition

Bergson argues that nature gives humans a terrifying gift: Intelligence. Intelligence makes us realize we will die. It makes us selfish. This endangers the tribe. So, nature evolved a "myth-making function", Static Religion.

• Static Religion: It creates rigid myths, taboos, and rituals to hold society together. It is conservative. It says: "Obey the rules so we are safe." (The Law).
• Dynamic Religion: This is the rare spark of the mystic or the genius. It breaks the rules to expand human love. It says: "Follow the energy to create something new." (The Grace).

The Corporate Application

Every company starts as Dynamic Religion.

• The Dynamic Phase: The Founder has a "Vision" (Mysticism). There are no rules, only a shared belief in the mission. The energy is high, but the structure is chaos.
• The Static Phase: As the company grows, it gets scared of death (bankruptcy/lawsuits). It hires HR and Legal. It writes the "Employee Handbook" (The Scripture). It creates rituals (The QBR).

The Trap: Static Religion is necessary to prevent chaos, but it tends to suffocate the Dynamic. When a company becomes "Corporate," it means the Static has won. The rituals (meetings) continue, but the faith (innovation) is dead. The Chief Wise Officer's Job: You are the guardian of the Dynamic. You must constantly break the crust of "Static" bureaucracy to let the "Vital" lava flow through again.