In recent weeks, we have witnessed a troubling surge in violent conflicts, ranging from devastating civil wars in Africa to appalling human rights violations in the Middle East and Ukraine. In the face of such blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of humanity, we are compelled to reaffirm and fortify our own core values and principles.
The great Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, often referred to the lack of self-awareness and understanding of one’s own dark demons as possibly the greatest threat to humanity.
Jung wrote, “that it is not famine, not earthquakes, not microbes, not cancer but man himself who is man’s greatest danger to man, for the simple reason that there is no adequate protection against psychic epidemics, which are infinitely more devastating than the worst of natural catastrophes.”
When mass madness takes entire societies into a stranglehold
There are several historical precedents where “mass madness” in the form of fanaticism gripped entire populations such as in Nazi Germany and in the witchhunts and inquisitions of the Middle Ages. Some villages in Europe literally had their entire female populations wiped out by the frenzy of “witch burning”.
Jung described the rise of fascism in Germany “as nothing less than [an] outbreak of epidemic insanity. . . No one knew what was happening to him, least of all of the Germans, who allowed themselves to be driven to the slaughterhouse by their leading psychopaths like hypnotized sheep.
There is a thin veneer between civilized, decent behavior and the tipping point into the darkest shadows of human nature.
Radical fanaticism and the change in brain patterns
Radical fanaticism by definition is the unquestioning devotion to a particular belief, ideology, or cause. When a person becomes a radical fanatic, their behavior and thought patterns can significantly change, and these changes can also be reflected in brain activity:
- Exposure to extremist ideologies and constant reinforcement of such beliefs can reshape neural pathways, strengthening connections related to those beliefs. This is especially the case when individuals are exposed to repeated propaganda or information silos, mentally blending out all alternative views or perspectives.
- Fanaticism involves heightened emotions such as fear, anger, and a sense of righteousness. Such intense emotions shut off the prefrontal cortex responsible for logic and thought, activating instead the brain’s “animal” reptilian region responsible for fight or flight. You are literally in “automatic” mode and no longer in charge of your thoughts and behavior.
- Radical fanatics generally exhibit confirmation bias, interpreting information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs, favoring their own group, and dehumanizing those outside their group and belief.
- Being part of a radical group can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, creating a sense of reward and belonging, that reinforces the behavior and beliefs associated with the group.
The emergence of radical behavior and extremist ideologies in societies has historically been a gradual process, often taking decades to fully manifest. However, the advent of social media, particularly those lacking stringent checks and balances to curb fake news and disinformation, has injected a particularly potent accelerant into an already poisonous mix.
Standing guard at the gateway to the mind
Social media is providing the platform to dangerous individuals with psychopathic tendencies, malignant narcissism, and fanatical beliefs, allowing their toxic ideologies to spread far and wide at an alarming speed.
In the face of the escalating peril posed by contemporary political narratives, it is imperative for us to act as vigilant guardians of the mind. We must exercise heightened caution, particularly regarding politicians and news outlets that propagate messages of hatred, division, anger, fear, and discontent in fanning the flames of grievance culture. These forces are driven by a sinister agenda and are actively seeking to manipulate you.
Genuine freedom and happiness spring from the bedrock of inner tranquility, gratitude, tolerance, and kindness. True self-love embraces inclusivity, recognizes the inherent worth of all individuals, and eschews exclusivity. In nurturing these qualities within you and in your community, you will be fortifying your mind against the corrosive influences of animosity and discord, fostering a more compassionate and harmonious world for all.
Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker
P.S. I’m excited to announce the release of my latest book, “The Turning of the Circle: Embracing Nature’s Wisdom for Purposeful Living.” If you enjoy it, you might also be interested in my previous works, “Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul” and “Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago.” You can find all of these titles at reputable bookstores near you.
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