This is a post about psychology – not as we know it, but how it really is. For centuries we have been conned into thinking psychologists know what is going on in the mind. But they are completely wrong, and have been wrong since the dawn of history.
Often the insanities of the mind have been used for political or social means. For instance, during Medieval times insanity was judged to be caused by possession by the Devil. In one sense, this meant insanity wasn’t your fault, but in another, it upheld the Christian way by showing evil in action.
As the Industrial Revolution gathered steam insanity was then judged to be due to idleness. After all, to be idle was to be counter to what was needed for industry. By the time of the Victorians, insanity was due to moral failure, just as morality was seen as vitally important.
Today we live in a moral free-for-all. Hence, insanity is being redefined as being due to behavioural genes. Just as in Medieval Christendom, politics and society still rule. If it is in your genes, then it isn’t your fault.
There is a lot, yet, to learn about psychology – in particular, its politics.
(c) Anthony North, March 2007
Note: The subjects of this blog are now being extended. See addition to introduction on About page. I hope this increases your enjoyment of the blog.
