The Unconscious:
Sigmund Freud discovered the human unconscious. This was a giant contribution to understanding human nature because before Freud, people thought emotional problems were the devil’s doings. In his early writings, Freud said that libido was an energy in the body which causes neurosis when it is unconsciously blocked.
Love Gets Lost
Freud later abandoned his libido theory, but popular misunderstandings about libido caused harm. Many individuals thought Freud recommended uninhibited sex. This hurt people’s lives when instead of deep, loving relationships they turned to the shallower notion of “anything goes.” People pursuing that kind of sexual freedom often slacked off on their parental responsibilities. When this occurred, children paid the price.
Responsibility Gets Lost
The general public also misunderstood the unconscious, as if it caused destructive behavior. Many no longer held themselves accountable: “My unconscious made me do it.” Some people even argued that criminals abused as children couldn’t be held responsible for their crimes.
Perspective Gets Lost
Freud’s psychoanalytic technique caused trouble in itself. People got interested in “analyzing” themselves and others around them. “Why did I do that? Probably because when I was little…” All through our culture, people got more “in their heads.” Cognitions replaced important emotions.
Core Feelings Get Lost
Gradually, a prejudice arose against emotions. Conscious cognitive processes became everything. With no reliable way to separate positive emotions from destructive ones, many individuals shut off all their emotions.
Mind and Body Found Again
It’s worth remembering that mind and body go together for integrated health. We are part of nature. A satisfying life includes emotions along with responsibility and freedom. With full emotional and sensory perception, thinking becomes more functional. For some people, but not all, therapy can provide a way to become happier and more whole.
These points originated from The Emotional Plague by Charles Konia.