Why did old beliefs such as alchemy and astrology continue to appeal to elites despite the new ideas and methods of scientists?

Bonus question: according to wikipedia, in chinese philosophy yin and yang "describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent." what are some examples from the story that amy tan may have intentionally incorporated elements of yin and yang philosophy into this story? select 2.

Why were the gods angry at odysseus in the odyssey

How did the kansas-nebraska act contradict the missouri compromise?