Monday, November 13, 2023

How to avoid the abyss of infinite lunacy

 


I have a deep need to understand the other. By this I mean that rather than simply dismiss a perspective that I am temperamentally opposed to or that lies outside of my own experiences, I try to understand the philosophical underpinnings of those whose ideas I find difficult to comprehend. I do so particularly if I find their ideas to be repugnant due to them being too fantastical, irrational, or immoral. The task of delving into something as complex as human behaviour and social interaction is never simple. Only a simplistically minded person would ever try to reduce something this complex into a one size fits all explanation for understanding the world and our relationship with one another in it. Nevertheless, this must not stop us from trying to understand the other’s perspective given the fact war and conflict is the inevitable outcome of rational dialogue failing.

I often write and speak about how the left tends to view humanity as coming into this world as an infinitely malleable empty vessel. This concept is known as Tabula Rasa, which translates to "blank slate" in Latin, and was proposed by philosopher John Locke. It suggests that humans are born without any preconceived thoughts or knowledge, and that all knowledge comes from experience or perception¹.

However, evolutionary psychologists often challenge this theory. They argue that humans are born with certain innate characteristics and instincts that influence their behavior and development¹. This is supported by evidence from psychologists and neurobiologists, who have shown that the brain is initially programmed and organized to process sensory input, control motor actions, regulate emotions, and respond reflexively under predetermined conditions¹.

In other words, while the environment and experiences do play a significant role in shaping our traits and actions, they are not the sole determinants. Our genetics and biology also have a substantial impact on our development, which contradicts the Tabula Rasa theory¹. This is why the Tabula Rasa theory is often considered invalid by evolutionary psychologists¹.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-11-13

(1) Analysis of John Locke's Tabula Rasa Theory - GradesFixer. https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-john-lockes-tabula-rasa-theory/.

(2) Tabula rasa | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/tabula-rasa.

(3) Tabula Rasa and Human Nature | Philosophy | Cambridge Core. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/philosophy/article/tabula-rasa-and-human-nature/897610B3326B0E836C3B3D23FC777F83.

(4) 'Tabula Rasa' and Human Nature - JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41682980.

(5) The Tabula Rasa Theory, Its Key Points and an Argument in Its Favor. https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-tabula-rasa-theory-its-key-points-and-an-argument-in-its-favor/.

Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, also rejected the concept of Tabula Rasa³. Instead, he proposed the theory of the collective unconscious and archetypes².

According to Jung, the collective unconscious is a part of the unconscious mind that is derived from ancestral memory. It is common to all human beings and contains archetypes, which are universal, inherited patterns of thought or symbolic imagery²⁴.

These archetypes, which include the mother, the child, the trickster, and others, are seen in the myths, stories, and dreams of all cultures². They are not learned or consciously acquired, but are inherent potentials that influence our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences².

Jung's theory suggests that our minds are not empty at birth, but are predisposed to perceive the world in certain ways and to have certain experiences¹. This contradicts the Tabula Rasa theory, which posits that all knowledge comes from experience or perception¹.

In essence, Jungian psychology disproves the Tabula Rasa theory by asserting that there are innate, universal aspects of the human psyche that shape our experiences and behaviors from birth¹²³⁴.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-11-13

(1) 12 Archetypes: Definition, Theory, and Types - Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-jungs-4-major-archetypes-2795439.

(2) Jungian archetypes - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungian_archetypes.

(3) Collective unconscious - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_unconscious.

(4) A Child Is Not Born Tabula Rasa - Carl Jung Depth Psychology. https://carljungdepthpsychologysite.blog/2020/08/25/a-child-is-not-born-tabula-rasa/.

When I was still back in Norway, I had the distinct impression I wasn’t in Kansas anymore even as my own little version of Toto, a chihuahua named Mi’Mo’, would lead me out into the streets to wander aimlessly as I tried to acclimatize myself to the discomfort I was experiencing. The culture shock was extremely off-putting, so I had a deep want to know why I found Norwegian behaviour to be so strange compared to the individualistic society which I had left. Despite every person that I met having their own distinct personality, under any given set of circumstances Norwegians reaction to external stimuli in a frighteningly identical manner. Enter Danish author Mikkel Clair Nissen circa 2014 to help address why I found Norwegian society specifically and Scandinavians more broadly so odd.

Mikkel Clair Nissen is a Danish author who wrote a book called “Manipulism and the Weapon of Guilt: Collectivism Exposed”, which is a controversial exposé and carefully detailed description of the emotional mind game that facilitates communism, socialism, and social liberalism, known as collectivism¹². He claims that the book exposes Denmark, the supposed happiest nation on earth, for what it truly is: collectivism’s biggest propaganda hoax¹²⁴. He also tells the hidden facts and realities of life in Denmark’s democratic socialism that they never want you to know¹²⁴.

Nissen does not hold a degree in any form of psychotherapy, but he has dedicated over a decade to psychopathology, specializing in narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)¹². He argues that collectivism is a form of pathological narcissism that uses guilt as a weapon to manipulate people into conformity and obedience¹²⁴. He also criticizes the Danish welfare state as a system that breeds dependency, mediocrity, and resentment¹²⁴.

Nissen's book has received mixed reviews from readers and critics. Some praised it as a brave and insightful analysis of the dangers of collectivism and the importance of individualism³. Others dismissed it as a biased and paranoid rant that misrepresents Denmark and socialism⁴.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/13/2023

(1) Collectivism Exposed - RICK BULOW. https://rickbulow.com/Library/Books/Non-Fiction/Political/ManipulismAndTheWeaponOfGuiltCollectivismExposedByMikkelClairNissen.pdf.

(2) Collectivism Exposed - Free-eBooks.net. https://www.free-ebooks.net/politics/Manipulism-and-the-Weapon-of-Guilt-Collectivism-Exposed/pdf?dl&preview.

(3) Manipulism and the Weapon of Guilt: Collectivism Exposed: Nissen .... https://www.amazon.com/Manipulism-Weapon-Guilt-Collectivism-Exposed/dp/1633960250.

(4) Mikkel Clair Nissen Quotes (Author of Manipulism and the ... - Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/7909595.Mikkel_Clair_Nissen.AA

Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS), Janteloven, narcissism, and depression can intersect in complex ways, particularly in the context of societal norms and individual mental health. Here's a psychological analysis of these traits:

- **Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS)**: This is a social phenomenon where individuals who stand out due to their achievements or success are criticized or resented¹². It's prevalent in societies where equality is highly valued, and it can lead to individuals feeling undermined, left out, or silenced after a success². This can result in a range of effects including a loss of confidence, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems².

- **Janteloven**: This is a social code of conduct prevalent in Nordic countries that discourages individual success and promotes collective achievements. It's similar to TPS in that it can lead to individuals feeling belittled or cut down when they achieve success³.

- **Narcissism**: This is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissistic individuals may be more likely to engage in TPS or Janteloven behaviors, as they may feel threatened by the success of others and seek to undermine them to maintain their perceived superiority.

- **Depression**: This is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Individuals who are victims of TPS or Janteloven, or who have narcissistic tendencies, may be at a higher risk of developing depression². The constant criticism, belittlement, and undermining can lead to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, key symptoms of depression.

In conclusion, these traits can interact in a cyclical manner. The societal norms represented by TPS and Janteloven can foster narcissistic behaviors, which in turn can exacerbate TPS and Janteloven. This cycle can contribute to the development of mental health issues such as depression².

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-11-13

(1) The Tallest Poppy - Women of Influence. https://www.womenofinfluence.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tp-whitepaper.pdf.

(2) Tall Poppy Syndrome | Newport Institute. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/tall-poppy-syndrome/.

(3) 'Denmark's Jantelov is similar to what we call 'tall poppy syndrome''. https://www.thelocal.dk/20180619/denmark-jantelov-is-very-similar-to-what-we-call-tall-poppy-syndrome.

(4) Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) and Mental Health Ramifications. https://medium.com/newosis/tall-poppy-syndrome-tps-and-mental-health-ramifications-c21a3757288c.

It amazed me how easily predictable collective behaviours become when one denies their own individual and collective unconsciousness in favour of the socialist collective. Despite the infinite variety of personalities that exist in any population, once a person gives themselves over to what Mikkel described as Narcissistic Personality Disorder they will have managed to sever themselves from the animating powers of their inner unconscious self to become robotic in their reactions to triggers.

Let us then review the psychological dangers of collectivism then in some of its better recognized forms such as Nazism given the frightening increase in anti-Semitism in the West. Although Carl Jung's views on collectivism and Nazism are complex and nuanced, he believed that both could lead to a severing or disconnect from the collective unconscious, which he defined as the part of the unconscious mind that contains shared ancestral experiences.

Jung saw collectivism, including political movements like Nazism, as a potential threat to individuality. He believed that when individuals identify too strongly with a group or a collective ideology, they risk losing touch with their individual unconscious, which includes the collective unconscious. This can lead to a kind of psychic imbalance, causing individuals to project their own unconscious contents onto others.

In the context of Nazism, Jung observed that the mass movement capitalized on the power of archetypal images and symbols to evoke strong emotional responses. However, he warned that such manipulation could lead to a loss of individual moral judgment and a disconnect from the collective unconscious.

It's important to note that Jung's theories are a product of his time and should be understood within that context. His work continues to be debated and interpreted in various ways within the field of psychology.

And now Canada, indeed the entire West, has become infected by narcissistic projection where every social problem is projected onto the “other”. It is because of the con job of projection that instead of self realization is collective blame and guilt are being externalized. No wonder then that anti-Semitism runs rampant among those who have given themselves over to what Dr. Gad Saad defines as idea pathogens.

Dr. Gad Saad, a Canadian Lebanese evolutionary psychologist, professor, and author, has introduced the concept of "idea pathogens" in his book "The Parasitic Mind"⁵. He uses this term to describe harmful ideas that, much like physical pathogens, can cause harm to individuals and societies¹⁴.

According to Dr. Saad, these idea pathogens are often incubated in universities and spread through the tyranny of political correctness⁵. Examples of such idea pathogens include postmodernism and cultural relativism⁶. These ideas, he argues, are endangering our most basic freedoms, including freedom of thought and speech⁵.

Dr. Saad's main mission is to combat these idea pathogens, which he sees as a threat to rational debate and common sense¹. He believes that these harmful ideas can lead us into what he calls the "abyss of infinite lunacy"⁴..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-11-13

(1) The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Co…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49680197-the-parasitic-mind.

(2) Gad Saad on Cancel Culture, Idea Pathogens and the Future of ... - Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/2021/05/28/gad-saad-cancel-culture-idea-pathogens-future-discourse-1593467.html.

(3) 'Idea Pathogens, Parasitize Our Minds': Professor Gad Saad. https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/idea-pathogens-parasitize-our-minds-professor-gad-saad-4716399.

(4) [Summary] This is for the Anonymous Online Trolls | Dr. Gad Saad .... https://podcastdisclosed.com/this-is-for-the-anonymous-online-trolls-dr-gad-saad-jordan-b-peterson-podcast-377/.

(5) Idea Pathogens and What to Do about Them, with Gad Saad. https://podcasts.la.utexas.edu/cepa/podcast/idea-pathogens-and-what-to-do-about-them-with-gad-saad/.

(6) The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense - Gad .... https://bing.com/search?q=Dr.+Gad+Saad+idea+pathogens.

(7) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gad_Saad.

Christianity has nuanced views on personal accountability and individualism:

- **Personal Accountability**: Christianity emphasizes personal accountability. According to biblical teachings, every individual will give an account of themselves to God². This concept of accountability is essential for any social system, including the church². It trains individuals in humility and honesty, which are important character traits for followers of Christ⁴.

- **Individualism**: Christianity recognizes the value of the individual, who is created in the image and likeness of God¹. Every individual has unique value to God and must therefore have unique value to their fellow man¹. However, Christian faith is deeply personal but never individualistic³. It draws the person into a saving, transforming relationship with God through Jesus Christ³. The faith warns against the idolatry of the individual, which can distort the understanding of the gospel³.

In essence, while Christianity values the individual and emphasizes personal accountability, it also stresses the importance of community and communion with others¹²³⁴.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-11-13

(1) Biblical Accountability: What It Is and How to Live It - Covenant Eyes. https://www.covenanteyes.com/2021/02/08/biblical-accountability/.

(2) What Does the Bible Say About Accountability? How to Hold Yourself .... https://brokenvowsrestoredhearts.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-accountability/.

(3) Individualism and Christianity | Morning Walk. https://morningwalkgroup.com/2018/11/16/individualism-and-christianity/.

(4) The Heresy of Individualism | The Banner. https://www.thebanner.org/features/2020/04/the-heresy-of-individualism.

And therein lies the true balance between our voluntary association with those whom we choose to be in fellowship, our individual worth, and our accountability to Him. It is my opinion that Jung’s archetypes are images of Divine creation. They form the “God hole” in our inner life which is awaiting to be awakened when we repent and come to Christ when He will take the stony heart out of our flesh to give us a new heart with His laws written upon it.

Ezekiel 11:19-20

King James Version

19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

And no one with the Laws of God inscribed in their hearts projects blame onto others or would be foolish enough to blame God or God’s people in the flesh and in the spirit for their own failings. Our individual walk with God and fellowship with the faithful are in my opinion the real answer to avoiding what Dr Saad calls the abyss of infinite lunacy which has robbed the once Christian West of its spiritual foundations!

 

 

 

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