Individual and Culture

 Good Evening.

Before I delve into a deep sleep, I want to meditate on the relationship between the individual and culture. 

Ever since I was 9, and of course, like most of you, I had the privilege to explore different cultures at different ages (I will spare detailed explanations because it would take too long to explain). From a Jungian perspective, we as an individual derive from the Great Mother, the feminine, the source from which life emerges, and from which life is devoured. Culture is to be symbolized as the Great Father, which guarantees a stable life for individuals to a great degree (however, it is close to impossible to stave off the perils of Mother Nature). 

The dichotomy between the feminine and masculine principles is so interesting. According to a disciple of Jung, Erich Neumann, there exists principles such as:

- The Great Mother (nurturing, loving side of nature)

- The Terrible Mother (terrible aspects of nature)

- The Great Father (symbolized as a functional culture, providing stability)

- The Terrible Father (patriarchy, tyranny, totalitarianism).

These concepts are immensely valuable because they could contribute to the understanding of our world. 

I lately contemplated the differential manifestation of my personality depending on the culture I am dealing with. For example, I am inclined to be remarkably outgoing within the Italian context, and rather intellectual and introverted when adopting the German framework. I do not know whether this is impacted only by cultural differences. In my limited experience, the German language is strictly logical, which allows for a malleable expression in academic contexts, whereas Italian is unquestionably romantic (it's a Romance language too), affective and elegant, appropriate for relationships in general. 

Despite the notable differences in cultures, we ought not to forget that we all derive from the Great Mother. We all share the same vulnerabilities, and we all are prone to the same kinds of perils. I hope that the history of humanity turns out as a comedy, not a tragedy. Why not be the hero/heroine? We could, even in the slightest sense. We all have our own specific inclinations. If one claims not to have any talent, that's only because it is not discovered yet. I tend to be optimistic. In fact, I have hope in our genuine will, which is to be catalyzed through compassion, gratitude, and fortitude. 

I feel it comforting to write. It's my personal way to bring about catharsis. I hope to get better at writing while enjoying this journey.  

Thank you for reading and have a nice week! 

Affectionately,

Ken