It is incredible to note the acuity of some of Jung’s observations when applied to general conduct and its natural reflexes in a society. When we perceive that there is a search for external validation operating incessantly and encompassing even strictly individual acts, we understand why there is such a high degree of submission to the environment—this one, considered en masse as the sovereign arbiter. From this to the public demand for conduct against one’s will, even if disguised, under penalty of jail or lynching, does not take much time. And the reflexes? How predictable! The social man has no personality; he is a puppet of the collective behavior. All it takes is for one imbecile to get up on a stage, convince a claque, and then the endless mass of sheep, out of fear and need, will be embracing him.
Tag: psychology
Playing of Psychologist…
I have fun analyzing myself from Jung’s point of view. Adopting Myers-Briggs’ already widespread terminology, I am, for as long as I can remember, an unmistakable INTJ (with I and J that only get bigger). I try to visualize myself as Jung would do, then I insert myself into my surroundings: impossible not to conclude that I burn alive in a fire! But how, still, has there not been the violent reaction one might expect from someone like me? Perhaps there has been, and of this the increasing radicalization of my behavior is evidence. An independent, solitary guy with a need for planning, action and control cannot react calmly if bombarded all the time with the unpredictable, thrown into an increasingly submissive, unstable and invasive situation, deprived of stability and solitude. Decide, always, even if wrongly, but reaping the fruits of the individual act—the opposite is unbearable! I imagine myself adjusting Jung’s glasses: “Boy, not like this. It’s time. Do something immediately…”
Reflecting on Despair Vaccinates Against Despair
Reflecting on despair vaccinates against despair, reflecting on anguish slows down anguish, disillusionment only is harmful when untimely… and the mind seems to have the arsenal it needs to contain its own impulses. If moved by inertia, vulnerable; if put to work, prepared and resistant. The support it lacks is nothing but the fruit of its own creation. Thus, the idea of self-sufficiency really seems irresistible.
Prior and Regular Reflection Is Necessary
The collective shouting, deluding about the great questions of life, throws sand into the human spirit and diverts it from the essential. One who spends his days distracted and judging important second-rate problems, when violently struck by a great issue, loses control: he simply has not prepared himself. To know how to deal with the great events, not letting himself act stupidly and impulsively when surprised, prior and regular reflection is necessary. And reflection, in turn, demands detachment from collective shouting. Crossing the boundary of judgment, the individual analysis of the flock ends up inspiring gigantic compassion…