Final answer:
In 'Brave New World,' the concept of a supreme being is replaced by the worship of Ford, representing industrialism. Traditional rituals like the sign of the cross are replaced with symbols like the sign of the T, embodying the values of mass production and efficiency prized by the society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, the concept of a supreme being has been replaced by the worship of Ford, based on the historical figure Henry Ford, emblematic of industrialism and technological progress. An example of a basic ritual that has changed is the sign of the cross being replaced by the sign of the T, symbolizing the Model T car. This change reflects the society's reverence for mass production and efficiency over religious or spiritual contemplation.
The replacement of traditional religious worship with Ford is fitting in this society because it aligns with the values and priorities of the World State. In this dystopian society, the communal and consumerist ethos is maintained through the veneration of Ford, which reinforces the social stability and conformity that the state prioritizes. As a result, personal beliefs and spiritual practices are subjugated to the worship of technological advancement and consumption.