Meaning: This quote is attributed to James Frazer, a Scottish social anthropologist and folklorist, who is best known for his influential work "The Golden Bough." Frazer's quote touches upon the concept of sympathetic magic, which is a fundamental principle found in many traditional belief systems and magical practices around the world.

Sympathetic magic is based on the idea that there is a connection between objects or individuals that have once been in contact with each other, and that this connection persists even after the physical contact has been severed. This principle can be further divided into two forms: "like produces like" and "contagion."

The first form, "like produces like," is also known as the law of similarity. This principle suggests that by imitating a desired outcome, one can bring about that outcome in reality. This is often seen in practices where a person uses a doll or effigy to represent a target and then performs actions on the doll that they hope will affect the actual person it represents. This form of sympathetic magic is based on the belief that the representation and the actual object share a connection, and by influencing the representation, the actual object will be affected.

The second form, "contagion," is based on the belief that once two objects have been in contact, a magical link persists between them, allowing actions performed on one object to affect the other. This concept is often seen in rituals or practices where an individual uses an item that once belonged to a person in order to influence or control that person. The idea is that the magical link established through physical contact allows for influence or control over the individual.

Both forms of sympathetic magic reflect the underlying belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the ability to influence or control these connections through ritual and symbolic action. While these concepts may seem archaic or superstitious to modern scientific understanding, they remain significant in the study of anthropology, folklore, and the history of human belief systems.

Frazer's work in "The Golden Bough" extensively explored the principles of sympathetic magic and its role in ancient and contemporary societies. His analysis of rituals, myths, and beliefs from various cultures provided a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which sympathetic magic shaped human behavior and cultural practices.

Furthermore, Frazer's writings have had a profound impact on the fields of anthropology, sociology, and comparative religion, influencing the work of later scholars and thinkers. His exploration of sympathetic magic and related concepts continues to be a subject of interest and study, shedding light on the complexities of human cognition, belief, and cultural practices.

In conclusion, James Frazer's quote about the second principle of magic encapsulates the fundamental concept of sympathetic magic, which involves the belief that objects or individuals maintain a connection and continue to influence each other even after physical contact has been severed. This principle has been a significant aspect of many traditional belief systems and magical practices, and Frazer's exploration of these concepts in "The Golden Bough" has contributed to a deeper understanding of human cognition, belief, and cultural practices.