Category Archives: humanity

by | October 20, 2025 · 8:01 am

When a Society Loses its Mind

“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.”
— Carl Gustav Jung, “The Undiscovered Self” (1957)

There’s a virus spreading faster than any we’ve seen before. It doesn’t attack the body, but the mind.
It’s called collective insanity, where whole groups of people begin to share the same irrational beliefs, emotions, and behaviors, drifting further and further from reality.

This kind of madness takes hold when critical thinking collapses and a free press is silenced or controlled. When truth becomes inconvenient, emotion and ideology take over. Falsehoods repeated often enough start to sound like truth, and soon, everyone is echoing the same slogans without stopping to ask, “Does this make sense?”

Collective insanity usually begins in times of deep economic and social uncertainty. The world feels unstable and frightening. During social unrest, war, economic turmoil, or disease, people crave certainty. They long for simple answers to complex problems, and for someone who promises to make everything right again.

That’s when a charismatic leader often appears, offering clear, emotionally charged explanations that seem to restore order. Dictators like Hitler, Mao, and Mussolini understood this perfectly. They demanded total obedience, convincing millions to surrender personal freedom, conscience, and judgment.

Strong emotions like anger, hate, and retribution spread quickly, almost like an infection of the soul.
We “catch” emotions from one another through something psychologists call emotional contagion. The more a narrative is repeated, the more real it begins to feel.

In authoritarian systems or cult-like movements, people learn to silence their doubts. To question is to risk punishment or exclusion, and so they conform. In time, they begin to believe the very lies they once only pretended to accept. (Experiments have shown this again and again, most famously by Solomon Asch, who proved that people will deny what they see if everyone around them disagrees.)

Collective insanity thrives where access to truth is restricted. It becomes especially dangerous when a small handful of billionaires control the flow of information or when social media algorithms feed us only what confirms our existing beliefs. These echo chambers create entire worlds of illusion, each reinforcing its own version of “truth.”

And once a society defines an enemy — witches, heretics, another race, or “the corrupt elite” — violence begins to feel justified, even noble. We see this pattern today in the growing attacks on politicians, judges, and journalists who dare to hold opposing views. The moral compass spins wildly when truth and empathy are lost.

The Way Out

History shows us that collective insanity inevitably ends, but often only after great suffering and when the truth finally comes out. The cult leader is exposed when there is no longer any denying of his sexual abuse. There is no longer any denying the authoritarian leader’s corruption, inept leadership and personal enrichment.
In Germany, the delusion collapsed when the war was lost, millions of lives had been lost, and the truth could no longer be denied. Putin’s Russia is possibly facing a similar scenario.
In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission forced the nation to face the horrors of apartheid, allowing confession, grief, and healing to begin.

The path back to sanity always begins with truth-telling and with courage.
It takes brave souls, compassionate communities, and civic action groups to speak truth, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. It takes emotional honesty and the willingness to face the grief, guilt, and fear without turning away.

When this is done collectively, something powerful happens. Healing begins.
We rediscover our shared humanity. Sanity and peace begin in the heart of each person who chooses truth, faith, and courage over fear.

Reino Gevers – Host of the LivingToBe podcast

P.S.: If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in my latest book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners. Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever good books are sold.

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by | June 23, 2025 · 8:44 am

The Dark Forces Behind Trump’s Ascent

Outside the United States, the dominant narrative often ridicules Donald Trump as a bumbling demagogue, rambling, incoherent, and detached from the nuances of governance. But this portrayal misses the deeper forces at play.

Trump’s rise was not accidental; it was engineered with the backing of ultra-conservative oligarchs who possess both vast resources and a strategic vision. These were not grassroots movements but top-down maneuvers with ideological roots and economic interests.

Read also my Blogs, some written well before the events currently unfolding

Sleepwalking into authoritarianism

You are the master of your destiny

The evolutionary advantage of empathy

The erosion of the political center

The erosion of the political center and the rise of polarization in the U.S. have been profoundly shaped by libertarian and conservative factions endowed with virtually unlimited funds. Billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk have openly stated that Trump’s ascent would not have been possible without their support. And their motivations are far from altruistic.

Both Thiel and others in this elite class have cited Ayn Rand as a formative influence. Her novels, widely read across the U.S., present a moral universe where self-interest is a virtue and government is the enemy. Rand’s rejection of regulation and welfare has nurtured a radical anti-state ideology that now animates the far right with their “deep state” conspiracy narratives. In her worldview, society’s value lies with the so-called “makers”—a few brilliant individuals who create wealth and innovation, while the majority are portrayed as burdensome “losers.” Here is an interesting background report to Thiel’s philosophy.

The disturbing elitist anti-democratic instinct

This elitist framing feeds into a disturbing anti-democratic instinct, where the “masses” are seen as lazy, entitled, and undeserving of political agency. It justifies an authoritarian approach under the guise of meritocracy.

Yet Rand’s extreme individualism stands in stark contrast to the core values that have historically bound societies together, such as empathy, community, shared responsibility, and spirituality. Her ethical framework, which pits rational selfishness against what she paints as servile altruism, ignores the vast moral terrain between those extremes. Most philosophers reject her ideology as an inadequate foundation for a just society. It fails to account for justice, compassion, and the relational fabric that makes us human.

Rand’s capitalism is idealized as a flawless, self-correcting system—blind to monopolistic power, environmental destruction, labor exploitation, and corporate manipulation. Within this context, the so-called crusade by Elon Musk’s “Doge team” to dismantle the “deep state” is easier to understand. It is not a battle for freedom—it is a push to eliminate oversight, regulation, and democratic checks and balances that constrain oligarchic power.

Truth is the first casualty

This becomes especially alarming when such immense power is concentrated in individuals who can bend public opinion to their will through control of social platforms and narratives. Truth is often the first casualty of authoritarian ambition, and we are witnessing this erosion in real time. Media outlets that deviate from the approved script are threatened with lawsuits or delegitimized outright.

What is unfolding in the United States will reverberate globally. Liberal democracies—already struggling to maintain the credibility of their institutions—are on the defensive. The far-right argument is gaining traction: that democracy is inefficient, corrupt, and too cumbersome to solve today’s challenges. Bureaucracy is cast as inept; public service is derided; the concept of government itself is being hollowed out.

This narrative is not unique to the U.S. During the Brexit debate, the cry of “freedom from Europe” resonated with voters convinced that Brussels was squandering British taxpayers’ money. That campaign triumphed, but the aftermath has been devastating. Brexit has curtailed travel, limited residency rights, and is expected to shrink the U.K.’s GDP by at least four per cent annually in the years ahead. It is one of the most self-destructive political decisions in modern European history.

The argument from the extreme right is increasingly explicit: benevolent authoritarianism is superior to democracy. But history tells a different story.

Vladimir Putin rose to power promising order after the chaos of the Yeltsin years. Over time, he dismantled Russia’s democratic structures entirely. Today, the wealth of the nation is concentrated in the hands of Putin and a small cadre of oligarchs, while dissenters are imprisoned, exiled, or killed.

Even so-called reformist authoritarians come with deep costs. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk modernized Turkey and established a secular state, but did so through repression of opposition and suppression of civil liberties. Deng Xiaoping lifted millions out of poverty in China, but maintained strict one-party rule and oversaw brutal crackdowns, including Tiananmen Square.

Ultimately, the question facing millions in this age of disorientation and instability is stark:

How much personal freedom are we willing to trade for the promise of economic stability and safety?

Authoritarians offer a compelling message: democracy is messy, crime-ridden, and overly tolerant of “the other.” They promise law, order, and security. But this is a mirage. There is no true safety in an authoritarian state. Free expression becomes a privilege of conformity. Those who think differently, worship differently, or challenge the status quo are criminalized, dehumanized, imprisoned, or worse.

Such regimes give birth to dystopias devoid of creativity, individuality, and hope. Citizens are reduced to obedient subjects, forced to idolize leaders who, in truth, hold them in contempt.

Authoritarianism doesn’t just erode the soul of a society but rewires its moral compass, hollowing out the institutions that hold truth, justice, and human dignity in place. Once that unraveling begins, rebuilding becomes a generational challenge.

It often follows in the aftermath of economic ruin, fractured communities, and the silencing of critical thought. The cost is not merely political; it is spiritual and cultural. What is lost is not easily recovered: the ability to dream freely, to dissent without fear, to imagine a shared future that belongs to all. The true danger lies in the kind of people we become under authoritarian rule.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | June 16, 2025 · 4:00 am

When the Lights go Out

It doesn’t take a coup or a dictator to kill a democracy. Sometimes, the rot begins from within, in slow motion and in plain sight. 

Across America and other traditional democracies, the checks and balances that are foundational in free societies are being chipped away.

If history teaches us anything, it’s this: when authoritarianism rules everyone loses—freedom, dignity, truth, and the very social fabric that makes us human.

The grim reality of authoritarian rule

Envision yourself living in a country where even the mildest critique of the ruler could land you behind bars or strip you of your livelihood. The airwaves echo incessant hymns of praise for the leader, while simultaneously stoking hate towards both real and imagined adversaries. Meanwhile, your son lives in constant fear, knowing he could be conscripted at any moment into a futile war.

This is a grim reality in Russia and a growing number of countries, casting a shadow over the lives of its citizens. 

Alarmingly, this pattern could potentially spread to democracies where generations have relished unparalleled freedoms, blissfully unaware of the true implications of authoritarian rule and its pervasive influence on society.

Across the globe, we witness a gradual erosion of fundamental liberties and democratic principles. Even within Western democracies long considered bastions of stability, nefarious political factions are becoming mainstream, posing a major threat to the established order.

The Democracy Index for 2019 found that democratic backsliding across the world has led to the worst score since the index was first produced in 2006, with only 5.7 percent of the global population living in what could be considered a “full democracy.”

Rightwing extremist parties weakening entrenched democracies

A Berlin-based leading Civil liberties network has warned that the rule of law is declining across the European Union as far-right parties continue to weaken legal and democratic checks and balances. Liberties in entrenched democracies such as Sweden and Italy are in a gradual process of retreat and risk becoming systematic, according to the 2024 Liberties Rule of Law Report.

Democracy and civil liberties take many decades to be entrenched in society while it takes only one government to dismantle everything. Freedom of the press can be stifled overnight, opposition parties banned or intimidated, and judges and civil service members replaced with regime-friendly acolytes.  All this has played out in Hungary, once a democratic country but now under authoritarian rule of Victor Urban.

The frightening scenario is that the process takes place gradually and incrementally with an electorate sleepwalking into authoritarianism.

We need only to look at history to understand how quickly basic freedoms can be usurped when a society fails to heed the warning signs. Adolf Hitler’s ultimate plan to extinguish the Jewish population with a German Reich controlling all of Europe was clearly outlined in his 1925 autobiographical manifesto “Mein Kampf”, compounding existing beliefs, fears, and xenophobia.

When opinion becomes an entrenched belief when truth becomes a lie and the mind refuses to accept an alternative idea or perspective, it is but a short road to authoritarianism.

Hitler’s explicit racial theories were openly portrayed in “Mein Kampf” and in his speeches before coming to power: Jews, Slavs, and other non-Aryan groups were described as subhuman and deserving of extermination or subjugation. His vision for a racially pure society involved the systematic elimination of “undesirable” populations that eventually culminated in the Holocaust. People in the mid-1920s failed to fully comprehend Hitler’s intentions for territorial expansion (Lebensraum) and the establishment of a racially pure Aryan state.

The suppression of dissent, the elimination of political opposition, and the manipulation of propaganda to indoctrinate the German population with Nazi ideology was introduced gradually. The policy of appeasement with influential groups of Nazi sympathizers in the United States, Britain, and other countries, eventually paved the way for one of the darkest periods in human history.

Authoritarianism goes against all human dignity and essentially gives power to a single ruler or small clique that inevitably ends up enriching itself at a terrible cost to the majority of the population. It is a one-way street where everyone loses.

Democracy can only endure when it is grounded in a robust system of checks and balances, supported by a vigilant and critical civil society. The authoritarian regimes of the last century unleashed unimaginable catastrophes, including two world wars and a genocide unparalleled in human history.

At its core, democracy champions freedom of expression, individual liberty, and tolerance. It allows you to fully express and live your potential without fearing repression and control by a state. 

Democracy can be chaotic, messy and loud, allowing a platform and freedom of speech for everyone.

Yet, these very values are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by extremists. Before we fully recognize the threat, power can fall into the hands of individuals whose sole aim is personal advantage, subjugation and control.

Authoritarianism, grounded in fixed belief and fanaticism ultimately creates a toxic emotional state, blending fear, anxiety, and anger. It fosters dehumanization, deepens political polarization, and fractures social cohesion.

On a personal level, it becomes a significant barrier to self-growth and spiritual evolution. In a rapidly changing world, adapting is essential for survival. Clinging to rigid beliefs not only limits personal transformation but also blinds you to the new opportunities and possibilities the universe continually offers.

Reino Gevers – Author –  Mentor – Speaker

P.S: If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my very latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners Get it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and where all good books are sold.

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by | March 23, 2025 · 3:38 pm

The Evolutionary Advantage of Empathy

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou

Empathy is our greatest evolutionary strength. While Social Darwinists argue that survival belongs to the strongest and most ruthless, history and science tell a different story. Humanity’s ability to connect, and to uplift one another has ensured our survival as a species.

Elon Musk’s belief that Western civilization’s greatest weakness is its empathy is not backed up by the science. Social Darwinism and much of the rightwing media ecosystem argue that the “strong” rise to the top and the “weak” fail, justifying economic inequality. Empathy is perceived as vulnerability and weakness in the competitive business environment.

Empathy is often confused with passivity and “people pleasing”. However, numerous studies confirm that empathy is actually a strength, fostering trust, enhancing decision-making, and building strong relationships.

Leaders with empathy are more effective

A study by the Center for Creative Leadership (Gentry, Weber, & Sadri, 2016) found that leaders who demonstrate empathy perform better and are more effective in managing teams. Employees who feel understood and valued are more engaged and productive.

Contrary to the belief that empathy clouds judgment, research shows it actually helps people make more ethical and fair decisions. A study published in The Journal of Business Ethics (Wang, Hackett, & Cao, 2016) found that empathetic leaders were more likely to make morally sound decisions that benefited both individuals and organizations.

A global study by the Businessolver 2021 State of Workplace Empathy Report found that 92 per cent of employees believe empathy is undervalued in the workplace, and 72 per cent of CEOs say empathy directly impacts financial performance.

Empathy as Strength

Rather than being a liability, empathy is a strategic advantage—helping individuals and organizations thrive through stronger relationships, ethical leadership, and enhanced decision-making. True empathy is not about weakness or passivity but about understanding others while maintaining boundaries and making informed, impactful choices.

A society based on Social Darwinism where the strongest, wealthiest and most powerful are venerated is a doomed society that is less compassionate, less caring, and less kind. It is the very opposite of value-based Western society based on the fundamentals of Christian values such as caring for the sick and needy and the most vulnerable in society.

Empathy has been a critical factor in the survival and success of the human species. While physical strength and intelligence played roles, our ability to cooperate, understand, and support each other has been one of the most significant evolutionary advantages.

Unlike solitary species, early humans relied on group survival. Anthropologists like Sarah Blaffer Hrdy (Mothers and Others, 2009) argue that empathy—especially in the form of cooperative child-rearing—was key to human evolution. Groups that cared for their weak, sick, or young had a higher survival rate than those that abandoned struggling members.

In the global happiness Index, Scandinavian societies, particularly Finland have consistently polled highest as the most happy societies. Finnish society is characterized by high levels of trust—both in fellow citizens and in public institutions. This trust is nurtured by subtle yet deep social bonds where empathy helps people understand and support one another, even in a culture that might appear reserved at first glance.

Finland’s robust welfare system amplifies these effects by ensuring that people feel cared for by society.

This creates a virtuous cycle—when people see their society as compassionate and responsive, their own empathetic behaviors are reinforced, further boosting overall happiness.

Research in positive psychology has linked empathy with higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Empathetic interactions help reduce feelings of isolation and stress, which are key factors in long-term happiness.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor –Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my latest book: Sages, Saints and Sinners to be launched globally on April 8th, 2025.

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by | March 10, 2025 · 4:53 pm

The Illusion of Benevolent Authoritarianism

A rightwing media ecosystem has created the dangerous illusion that a benevolent authoritarian regime creates a more stable, equal, and prosperous society.

A common misconception is that strong, centralized rule brings order and stability. The reality is far bleaker. Having grown up in apartheid South Africa and visited communist East Germany multiple times, I’ve seen firsthand how authoritarian rule breeds fear, stagnation, and deep societal misery.

Police brutality and oppression of dissent are commonplace

Although a small minority of white people in South Africa benefited from apartheid, it came at a huge price. With growing dissent and unrest coming from the oppressed black majority, state-sanctioned police brutality and oppression of opposition movements were commonplace. Every young white South African male was conscripted for military service after graduating from school. Many, including some of my own family members, are still traumatized today from fighting a senseless war in Angola.

Both South Africa and more so communist East Germany relied on heavy policing and informant networks. Friends, neighbors and even family members spied on each other.

When I first visited East Germany in the late 1980s, I was struck by the pervasive presence of the Stasi secret police, whose surveillance began the moment we crossed the border. The atmosphere was stifling—grey skies, empty stores, and a palpable fear that made any interaction with locals feel tense and uncomfortable. The waiters in the restaurants were unfriendly and even rude.

Scars remain etched in the collective psyche for generations

After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of East and West Germany, the scars of the communist era remained deeply etched in the collective psyche. The loss of national identity, coupled with an education system that falsely pinned the blame for Nazi atrocities on West Germany, contributed to a resurgence of fascist nationalism in the former communist regions, leaving a legacy of division and disillusionment.

When power dominates over kindness and compassion, it can take generations for a country to heal. People often adopt a survival mindset, prioritizing self-interest over community well-being. Corruption becomes normalized, and moral considerations take a backseat to personal gain, particularly prevalent in the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries.

Democratic countries in the long-term are far more successful economically. Free speech encourages artistic creativity. Free societies and open markets create a competitive environment with new innovations and technological advancement.

Democratic freedoms create happy societies

It is not surprising that the Scandinavian countries with strong workers’ rights, excellent social welfare, and lower income inequality, also find themselves on the top of the global happiness index. Finland has maintained the top position for six consecutive years, reflecting its strong social support systems, high levels of trust, and overall quality of life.

It appears that strong community bonds and supportive communities play a crucial part when it comes to longevity, mental and physical health. People thrive in democracies that are more sustainable, innovative, and equitable.

A system where the powerful rule, without checks and balances such as free media and rule of law, typically are prone to corruption, mismanagement, and crony capitalism. Control over media and education stifles critical thinking and creativity, slowing technological progress. In Nazi Germany, scientific research was distorted by racial theories with disastrous consequences.

Authoritarianism destroys human dignity

Authoritarianism may offer short-term order, but ultimately leads to oppression, destruction of all human dignity, social fragmentation, economic stagnation, and instability. Fear, oppression, and lack of autonomy contribute to widespread psychological distress. Political oppression, imprisonment, and violence leave lasting psychological scars, often lasting for generations.

Democracy despite all its flaws is the oxygen where humans thrive. The freedoms and values we enjoy in democratic societies are all too seldom cherished. To quote Martin Luther King: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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by | February 24, 2025 · 2:48 am

Understanding Evil: Lessons from History

The devil is the shadow of God – Carl Gustav Jung

Since the dawn of time, humanity has grappled with the eternal struggle between good and evil. In confronting darkness you discover who you truly are, uncovering both the light and shadow within.

Within every human heart lies the shadow of darkness, but also the capacity for great good. You are granted the power of choice, and the external world is merely a reflection of the battles waged within.

In an age where values and truths are blurred by false narratives, clarity becomes essential. To understand where you truly stand, we need to look at history, myth, and legend for a deeper insight.

The Goddess of Chaos from Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, the goddess Eris embodies chaos and discord. With a single act of malice, she incites conflict among the goddesses Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite. She casts a golden apple inscribed with the words “To the fairest” into their midst, sparking a rivalry that no god dares to resolve.

Reluctant to face the wrath of the goddesses, the divine beings turn to a mortal—Paris, the prince of Troy—to make the fateful choice. Each goddess offers him a lavish bribe, but it is Aphrodite’s promise that sways him: she vows to grant him the love of the most beautiful woman on earth. And so, Paris presents the golden apple to Aphrodite, setting in motion a chain of events that will shape the course of history.

The woman chosen was Helen, the queen of Sparta and wife to Menelaus. When Paris eloped off with her, Menelaus declared war on Troy, rallying all the Greek kings, and triggering the Trojan War.

Another Greek Goddess, Enyo, delighted in war and destruction, bloodshed, and the sacking of cities.

The fallen angel and the lure of power

Christianity describes the devil, Satan, as a fallen angel and the very personification of evil. He was expelled from Heaven at the beginning of time after attempting to become equal to God.

The archetypal motif of the fallen angel or Lucifer is found in Summerian folklore, Roman mythology, Germanic tribes, and the Vedas.

In popular culture, we find Darth Vader, a fictional character in the Star Wars series. He is the dark father and the personification of evil in popular culture, serving the empire as its chief enforcer.

The windows to the soul

Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul with the bible quoting several passages in this vein. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,” (Matthew 6:22). “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:23).

Evil thrives where ignorance reigns

Evil often hides its true intent behind a smokescreen of lies, disinformation, and deception. Evil thrives where ignorance reigns and where truth is twisted to serve unchecked power. Common signs of evil include:

  • A total lack of empathy and compassion, particularly toward the vulnerable and weak.
  • Dehumanizing minorities and those who think differently, branding them as a “threat” or the “enemy.”
  • Spreading chaos and division through deceit, propaganda, and hateful rhetoric.
  • Exploiting fear to control and manipulate, turning people against one another.
  • Silencing dissent through oppression, censorship, and violence.
  • Subjugating and persecuting opponents with all the means available

What does humanity have to learn from all this?

We need the enemy, and the opposite perspective to gain clarity on our own core values and choices. Often the question is asked:

“If there is a God, why does he allow evil?”

We cannot blame dysfunctional human actions on the Creator. God has often been seen as a strict father figure punishing his flock for sinful or bad behavior. The Mystics in contrast view God, the universal creator or the divine as “a state of Being” – the connection to pure love, kindness, and compassion. The manifestation of evil would thus be the opposite condition – the state of total absence of God.

Napoleon Hill once observed that every evil carries within it the seeds of its own destruction. His words served as a warning to students, political figures, and business leaders, urging them to reflect carefully on their actions and ambitions. When one’s pursuits are misaligned with higher principles and devoid of genuine benefit to others, the consequences inevitably return—like flames consuming their source.

These flames can manifest as profound self-disgust and regret, leading to self-destructive behaviors such as addiction or even severe illness. In the end, what is sown in discord and deception often returns as personal ruin.

The tragedy is that the character once held by the stranglehold of the shadow demons finds himself incapable of self-reflection.

Most suffering that we experience in our personal lives or that we witness in the external world is a result of bad choices carried out from a low level of unawareness.

The word “evil” is often used in a confusing context to blame, vilify or distract.

The wisdom of the ancient Mystics can be a good guideline. Basic human nature has not changed much over the centuries. There will always be a segment of people who don’t give any regard to the outcome of their actions. Meister Eckhart, the great Dominican friar of the early fourteenth century, warned against those whose “sole concern is how to gain honors, wealth, and pleasure.”

These people, according to Eckart, are those who lack all sense of humility by “running in front of God.” Inevitably their lives will be haunted by what they call bad luck or a bad hand. They will be blaming God, fate, people different from themselves, and basically everyone for what has gone wrong in their lives. They are filled with hate, resentment, and anger. They are the malignant narcissists of our age who seek only personal validation and glory.

Jung’s understanding of Evil

Carl Gustav Jung, the great Swiss psychiatrist, had a profound understanding of evil, viewing it as an inherent part of the human psyche rather than an external force. He believed that true evil arises when individuals and societies refuse to acknowledge and integrate their dark side.

Individuals often project this unconscious darkness onto others, seeing evil as something “out there” rather than within themselves, leading to scapegoating, prejudice, and moral self-righteousness.

Jung was deeply concerned about mass psychosis and the dangers of totalitarianism. Evil takes root when people act without self-awareness, reflection, or responsibility. He saw ideologies that deny individual responsibility—whether political, religious, or social—as fertile ground for collective evil, where people blindly follow destructive movements.

By acknowledging and confronting their own darkness, individuals become more whole and less susceptible to acting out evil unconsciously.

    As the architects of evil weave their narratives of hate, division, and destruction, one truth remains: evil is inherently self-destructive. It exists in opposition to the fundamental laws of the universe, ensuring that the energy it projects—through thought, word, and action—inevitably returns to consume its source.

    Here is what you can do:

    Choose your path wisely. Reject fear, hatred, and division. Instead, embody love, compassion, and unity. Be a force for good in a world that desperately needs it. Every thought, word, and action you put into the world shapes your destiny. Stand firm in truth, uplift others, and become an instrument of divine purpose.

    Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

    If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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    by | January 14, 2025 · 9:21 am

    Sages, Saints, and Sinners: When things fall apart

    History is often said to follow a cyclical pattern, where humanity repeatedly faces cathartic trials to achieve breakthroughs in collective consciousness.

    Over the past four years, I have delved deeply into comparing the COVID-19 crisis with another pivotal catastrophe in human history—the Black Death of the 14th century.

    Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, it feels almost surreal how profoundly it has reshaped our lives. The lingering effects of collective fear, anxiety, and uncertainty continue to ripple through societies, fueling political extremism and even the collapse of governments in several countries. And this, it seems, is only the beginning.

    This journey of reflection and exploration has culminated in an exciting milestone: my upcoming book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners is set to release on April 8th. The novel delves into the historical echoes, human resilience, and moral questions that crises like these bring to the forefront. It will be available on all major platforms where great books are sold.

    This project has been a labor of love, spanning four years of research and writing. During the lockdown, I felt compelled to explore irrational and sometimes inexplicable human behavior.

    Scapegoating during times of crisis

    In the 14th-century, those deemed responsible for the Black Death were quickly identified. The clergy framed the pandemic as divine punishment for “sinful living,” while a pernicious rumor accused Jewish communities of poisoning water wells. This led to horrific acts of violence, with thousands of Jews killed in baseless retribution. So-called witches, often midwives and healers, were burned at the stake.

    When it became clear that even devout clergy were not spared by the plague, the church lost much of its credibility. In the same way the often haphazard way governments implemented the lockdowns during Covid has led to extreme distrust in all institutions.

    If this seems primitive, consider how misinformation flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading even faster than reliable facts. One widely circulated claim was that the virus had been engineered in a lab as a bioweapon. Another conspiracy theory blamed 5G mobile networks for the pandemic. Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, some argued masks were either useless or harmful. Others falsely believed that exposure to sunlight or high temperatures could prevent infection.

    Misinformation and rumor hampering efforts to address a crisis

    Similarly, medieval misconceptions about disease transmission fueled dangerous behaviors. Many believed the plague spread through foul air, leading to bizarre practices such as drinking urine or wallowing in filth to ward off illness. The correct assumption that the pandemic was spread by rodents was widely ignored. Observant authorities were finding that in clean areas infections were relatively low while they were highest in suburbs with a high rat population.

    Across both eras, misinformation magnified fear and hampered efforts to address the crisis effectively.

    Spiritual conflict and the weight of fate

    In the novel, I have weaved the story around the two main characters Geronimo and Isabel whose bond is tested by spiritual conflict, the weight of fate, and the unforgiving realities of a world in turmoil.

    When Geronimo is enslaved and Isabel, heartbroken, seeks refuge in a convent, their tragic journey unfolds, echoing the timeless struggles of myth and history.

    I dare to say that the next few years are likely to be marked by an external world marked by geopolitical shifts, fake realities, and disruptive chaos.

    It need however, not fill you with fear or anxiety. One principle of creation that we learn from Daoist philosophy is that a state of equilibrium and new beginnings is often preceded by a whirlwind of destruction and chaos.

    With the universe forming the ultimate equilibrium, surface events often appear chaotic, but are inherently connected to a universal order. In Daoism, nature is often used as an analogy. A fire might raze a landscape, or a storm uproot trees. An entire landscape can be reshaped but space is also cleared for new growth and fresh beginnings.

    In times of profound change, the wisest approach is not to resist but to adapt. The key lies in releasing rigid expectations and surrendering to the process of transformation with resilience and grace. By embracing simplicity and practicing non-attachment to specific outcomes, we can navigate transitions with greater ease and clarity.

    While external forces such as geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters, and pandemics are beyond your control, the response to them is entirely within your power.

    By focusing on what you can influence in your mindset and actions, you can empower yourself by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and discovering strength in the midst of uncertainty.

    Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

    P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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    by | December 9, 2024 · 9:11 am

    When Faith Turns Toxic: The Spiritual Journey

    The rebirth of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire, serves as a striking beacon of hope during a time marked by division, uncertainty, and fear. It is a powerful testament to what humanity can achieve when united in a shared purpose.

    Europe’s great cathedrals, such as Chartres and Notre-Dame, were more than architectural marvels. They were profound expressions of faith, creativity, and communal spirit. These towering structures, built to reflect heavenly glory, continue to inspire awe and remind us of the enduring power of collective endeavor.

    What unites people around a common purpose fosters trust and transcends individual interests. For millennia, religious rituals and practices have served this unifying function, binding communities to shared values, goals, and principles. Religion has also provided a framework for understanding suffering and adversity, offering solace and resilience in times of need.

    Religion and the sense of belonging

    As inherently social beings, humans find strength in connection. Participating in religious ceremonies has historically reinforced a sense of belonging and strengthened the social fabric of communities. Modern studies affirm this, linking faith and religious involvement to lower levels of depression and anxiety, underscoring the vital role of shared spirituality in nurturing mental and emotional well-being.

    Hill and Pargament (2003) concluded that spirituality fosters resilience by enhancing hope and optimism, even in highly stressful situations.

    But paradoxically the affiliation to a specific religion, community or faith often strengthens the divide between “them and us”. Religion can bring out the best and the worst in humanity. Friendships, humanity and service may be restricted to the “in group” while those outside the group were often villified and dehumanized.

    In my recent podcast on LivingtoBE, I discussed with psychologist Katie Turner, on when spirituality or religion becomes toxic and in some cases cause long-lasting trauma.

    • When clergy, therapists or spiritual teachers have not done the the self-work by transmuting their own shadows they will project these on their followers.
    • Some religious beliefs discourage seeking professional help, claiming that prayer or faith alone should suffice.
    • Religion is then abused as a tool of manipulation, coercion, control and exclusion. Overemphasis on sin, punishment, or unachievable standards of moral purity can lead to chronic guilt and shame.
    • Toxic religion often revolves around charismatic leaders who demand absolute loyalty and discourage critical thinking or questioning.

    When members of a religious community feel compelled to suppress their individuality, religion can even alienate them from their authentic spiritual path and soul purpose.

    Religious platitudes may hinder personal growth and self-discovery, with fixed beliefs locking individuals into a singular worldview obstructing the evolution of spiritual awareness and consciousness.

    What Can Help?

    • Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits on how much influence religion exerts over your life and well-being.
    • Seek Broader Perspectives: Explore spiritual practices and belief systems that prioritize love, tolerance, acceptance, and personal growth.
    • Consider Professional Support: Therapy or counseling can provide a safe space for healing from spiritual abuse or the effects of toxic religious experiences.

    At its best, religion offers sanctuary, love, and compassion during times of need. At its worst, it can inflict profound physical and emotional harm. Cultivating a grounded connection to your own intuitive senses and spiritual needs will help you discern and navigate the difference, empowering you to recognize and avoid toxic expressions of faith.

    Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

    P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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    by | October 14, 2024 · 5:08 pm

    Disinformation: The Threat to Democracy

    I had to read the headline twice to fully grasp what was happening: meteorologists in the U.S. have been inundated with abuse, including death threats, from conspiracy theorists accusing them and the government of manufacturing and controlling hurricanes.

    This disturbing trend mirrors the threats scientists faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fake news spread claims that the virus was a hoax. Recently, I made the mistake of commenting on an article about the U.S. presidential elections, only to be bombarded with vile remarks and personal insults.

    Violent threats are becoming alarmingly common, especially on platforms like Twitter, where safeguards against disinformation have largely collapsed since Elon Musk’s acquisition. Now, anyone with an internet connection can propagate wild conspiracies, with little to no oversight.

    A key tactic of right-wing extremists is to vilify both independent and mainstream media, constructing a dystopian reality where truth is distorted into lies and falsehoods are presented as truth. By manipulating reality and eroding public trust in factual information, they create fertile ground for the rise of totalitarianism.

    Hannah Arendt, the German-American political theorist and philosopher, best known for her works on totalitarianism, warned as long ago as six years after World War II:

    “The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (ie the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (ie standards of thought) no longer exist.”

    Arendt’s concern with the fragility of truth in the public realm echoes today’s concerns about the impact of fake news on public trust in media, government, and institutions. When people no longer trust facts, they withdraw from democratic engagement and become vulnerable to authoritarian manipulation.

    The reason why MAGA Trumpists and their acolytes such as Musk are targeting “mainstream media” is that Independent media is often at the forefront of exposing corruption, abuses of power, and misinformation, which might otherwise go unchecked.

    Investigative journalism plays a pivotal role by digging into stories that powerful entities want to keep hidden. Independent media, free of government control, regularly fact-check falsehoods. Some examples include the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), The Guardian, and ProPublica.

    PolitiFact is one of the most well-known fact-checking organizations in the United States. It is widely recognized for its Truth-O-Meter, which rates the accuracy of statements made by politicians, public figures, and media outlets. The ratings range from “True” to “Pants on Fire” for particularly egregious falsehoods.

    Basic democratic freedom and liberty are being threatened in multiple countries. Authoritarian messaging is based on negativity and falsehoods to spread fear, anxiety, and division. The existing reality is exaggerated to much worse than it is. It promises the struggling working class a Utopian future. This future will, of course, never materialize.

    Here are just a few examples of what you face if you allow authoritarianism to take control of your life:

    • Power is mostly concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small ruling elite. Checks and balances are eroded allowing leaders to act without accountability or transparency.
    • Authoritarian leaders use their positions to enrich themselves and their acolytes. Public resources are diverted for personal gain, leading to a lack of investment in essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
    • Political competition is eliminated or severely restricted by changes in laws benefiting the ruling party. Opposition leaders may be imprisoned, exiled, or assassinated as we are currently seeing in Putin’s Russia.
    • Authoritarian regimes stoke hatred of “the other,” including ethnic and religious minorities, leading to social fragmentation violence and unrest.
    • Authoritarianism prioritizes control over economic liberalization, creativity and innovation. In the long term economies stagnate, and entrepreneurship is stifled.

    Happiness is created by mindset and perspective. Foundational is a society with basic freedoms of democracy and expression. Authoritarianism ultimately has a devastating effect on every citizen. You end up being poorer, more desperate and living a life of quiet misery.

    As Winston Churchill once summized: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”

    Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

    P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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    by | August 4, 2024 · 9:53 am

    Scapegoating and Misinformation: A Lethal Combination

    Minds consumed by fear, anxiety, and thoughts of retribution are easily captured by hate preachers and demagogues. The scenes unfolding in the UK—right-wing extremists burning businesses of small shop-owners, targeting mosques, and attacking innocent bystanders of color—are tragic repetitions of history.

    What distinguishes the current situation is the dramatically enhanced tools available to extremists, amplifying their impact. Over the weekend, at least 30 violent protests erupted across the UK, largely fueled by misinformation spread on social media claiming that an illegal Muslim immigrant was responsible for killing three young girls and injuring several others.

    An account called Europe Invasion, known to publish Islamophobic and anti-immigrant content, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the suspect was “alleged to be a Muslim immigrant”. The post was viewed more than six million times. And as the post was accruing views, crowds of far-right protesters were swelling in Southport, ready to charge local mosques.

    The truth was that the attacker in Southport was identified by police as a 17-year-old, Axel Rudakubana, who was born in Britain, and that the attack was not terrorist-related. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

    Scapegoating during times of crisis

    Countless similar incidents can be cited throughout history where minority groups have been targetted by hysterical crowds, falling prey to rumors, misinformation, and hate speech. During the Black Death in Europe in the 14th-century thousands of innocent people were killed for allegedly spreading the pestilence. Jews were blamed for poisoning drinking wells. The baseless accusations led to widespread violence and massacres against Jewish communities throughout Europe, including the Strasbourg massacre in 1349, where around 2,000 Jews were burned alive.

    In 1779, anti-Catholic riots were incited by Lord George Gordon in London, spreading fears that the Papists Act of 1778 would lead to Catholic dominance. The resulting violence lasted several days, leading to widespread destruction, looting, and the deaths of around 300 people.

    Social media platforms must bear responsibility

    The difference is that misinformation in our age can spread globally within seconds, reaching millions of people. Social media platforms must bear responsibility for failing or unwilling to remove obviously false information. As we have seen in the latest riots in the UK, the consequences can be devastating.

    During times of crisis, there is a need to seek simple answers to complex problems. Cognitive closure and confirmation bias make people dismiss facts and contradictory evidence. Scapegoating provides psychological relief and an outlet for fear, anger, and underlying grievance culture.

    Exclusion of outsiders by Group and tribal-think

    “Group” and “tribal-think” views all those outside the “tribe” as outsiders. During times of economic and social crises, the in-group/out-group dynamic becomes more pronounced, leading to the vilification of those perceived as different or threatening.

    Responsible leadership and fact-checking journalism become more important than ever. Individuals and social media platforms should be made accountable on a global level for spreading hate and misinformation.

    Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

    P.S. If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

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