The historian Tom Holland examined the differences between pre-Christian and modern society and concluded that Christianity has greatly influenced and improved human society. That’s largely true, and I wouldn’t want to live in a pre-Christian world. However, that ignores a whole range of oppressive and divisive structures, and the Church also accepted power structures as a major factor of imbalance in human societies, which are still major factors in causing societal imbalance today. They create division and duality, whereas in finding solutions for the mental health and meaning crisis, we are turning more towards holistic therapies.
The word therapeutic generally refers to something that promotes healing, well-being, or recovery, particularly in the context of medicine or psychological treatment. Therapeutic activities, treatments, or approaches address physical, emotional, or mental imbalances to restore a sense of equilibrium and health. Therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) incorporate techniques to foster a more balanced and realistic outlook on one’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
This means we struggle to restore balance in a society that generates imbalance, division, alienation, and hostility through various social, political, economic, and cultural factors. Therapeutic interventions and societal efforts to promote healing and well-being involve addressing these systemic issues alongside individual-level concerns. This can include initiatives to reduce inequality, foster social cohesion, promote inclusivity and belonging, and address the root causes of division and alienation.
Many people who become neurotic are unaware of its causes, and many, in fact, perpetuate the effect of pathological influences in their lives. Peer pressure, social media, advertising, and the entertainment industry can all significantly shape individuals’ perceptions, behaviours, and self-esteem, sometimes negatively. Peer pressure, particularly during adolescence, can lead individuals to conform to unhealthy norms or engage in risky behaviours to fit in or gain acceptance. Social media platforms, advertising, and the entertainment industry often promote unrealistic beauty standards, success, and happiness, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and anxiety.
Moral institutions have also had devastating effects, and it was only when psychology dared to contradict long-held prejudices that, for example, the needs of women became a factor in society. Until then, women were expected to accommodate the needs of their husbands and ignore their own. When we investigate history, however, we see how women were responsible for religion, notably the Greek oracles, and wisdom was represented as a woman in allegory. Women’s roles in religion and wisdom throughout history underscore the complexity of gender dynamics and the diversity of women’s experiences across different cultures and periods. Indeed, women have often played important roles in religious practices, spiritual leadership, and intellectual pursuits despite broader societal limitations on their autonomy and influence.
Regarding the interplay of different cognitive, social, and cultural dynamics, the struggle between the sage and the warrior and the broader interplay of opposites represented by the Yin Yang symbol can be seen as archetypal motifs that recur throughout history and human experience. Iain McGilchrist’s work on the divided brain, particularly his argument that the right hemisphere’s broader perspective should dominate the narrower focus of the left hemisphere, offers an interesting lens through which to examine various aspects of human cognition and behaviour. While some aspects of McGilchrist’s thesis have been debated, his ideas have stimulated valuable discussions about the nature of consciousness, perception, and attention.
There is a correlation between this and the image of the wise woman guiding the outgoing man in relationships and society. This reflects a common theme in many cultures and narratives, where complementary roles are often ascribed to different genders. While it’s important to recognise that individuals are diverse and multifaceted and not strictly bound by gender stereotypes, there are clearly historical and cultural patterns that have shaped our understanding of masculinity, femininity, and their interplay.
Effective relationships and societal structures often involve a balance of perspectives, strengths, and approaches, with individuals drawing on a range of qualities and influences to navigate complex challenges and opportunities. To do this, we must overcome prejudices.