Challenging perspectives
“Rational argument can be conducted with some prospect of success only so long as the emotionality of a given situation does not exceed a certain critical degree. If the affective temperature rises above this level, the possibility of reason’s having any effect ceases and its place is taken by slogans and chimerical wish-fantasies.” -C.G. Jung ‘The Undiscovered Self’
I really love this quote (and most things that Carl Jung has talked about) because it highlights the reality that we cannot force another person to understand our point of view when there are overwhelming emotional responses barring our ability to communicate without spouting out hateful words to each other. When we are overwhelmed, we often end up shrinking into survival mode where everything feels like it is out to get us. In that moment, it helps to find something that will bring you back into your own sense of safety (cultivated internally or externally depending on your preferences). It’s only when we feel safe in ourselves that we feel safe sharing a point of view that may challenge other’s thinking. This entire book (The Undiscovered Self) is a good read in terms of what has been going on politically and socially, (if you can understand the words). It has taken me until now to understand as much as I do – and I realize that this may be because I am still discovering my own self…..
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