the unconscious mind
In his book, The Social Animal: A Story of How Success Happens, David Brooks, explores the unconscious mind. Brooks relates his theory in a more accessible way using the fictional characters of two people who led wonderfully fulfilling lives (p.5). The reason for their success is, Brook explains, “They possessed what economists call noncognitive skills, which is the catchall category for hidden qualities that can’t be easily counted or measured, but which in real life lead to happiness and fulfillment ”(p.8). I do think as humans we might find happiness from doing things we love. But I do not believe noncognitive skills would bring real happiness and fulfillment to people’s lives. True happiness is found in knowing that I am loved and cherished by God.
Another interesting note Brooks makes is how researchers described success as “having to do with IQ, wealth, prestige, and worldly accomplishments.” But, “the role of the inner mind—the unconscious realm of emotions, intuitions, biases, longings, genetic predispositions, character traits, and social norms. This is the realm where character is formed and street smarts grow” (p.6). Thus, Brooks wants us to think about the unconscious mind. Because most of our decisions, Brooks argues, are influenced by the underlying unconscious emotional states, which in return are impacted by the social environments we live in. From my own experience, I realize that my exposure to American culture and education system impacted me positively in so many ways. Even more, traveling to two countries around the world in our doctorial LGP program has given me a broader perspective about others’ cultures. This all is to highlight how we are constantly influencing one another in one way or another.
A further fascinating thought comes from Brooks’ discussion on “the empire of emotion” in the unconscious inner realm of mind as he describes:
“If the study of the conscious mind highlights the importance of reason and analysis, study of the unconscious mind highlights the importance of passions and perception. If the outer mind highlights the power of the individual, the inner mind highlights the power of relationships and the invisible bonds between people. If the outer mind hungers for status, money, and applause, the inner mind hungers for harmony and connection—those moments when self-consciousness fades away and a person is lost in a challenge, a cause, the love of another or the love of God ” (p.8).
It is interesting to see the roles of interdependence between outer mind and inner minds. Both parts of our minds—the conscious and the unconscious interaction are important for humans to fully flourish. Whether we agree with Brooks’ analysis or not, as human beings we are created with the desire to connect, and have a meaningful relationship with others. We are created for love and fellowship. We need to take time to play, as Brooks says, “Laughter exists for a reason, and it probably existed before humans developed language” (p.70). One of my favorite parts of Sunday worship at my church is our coffee and fellowship time at the end of the service. I truly look forward to greeting my friends and everyone. For that reason, I resonate with Brooks’ explanation of our “inner extrovert.” He says, “Your unconscious, that inner extrovert, wants you to reach outward and connect. It wants you to achieve communion with work, friend, family, nation, and cause. Your unconscious wants to entangle you in the thick web of relations that are the essence of human flourishing. It longs and pushes for love”(p.17). It is fascinating to learn how our “inner extrovert” is designed to help us develop a sense of balance in our lives. Knowing the pivotal roles of our unconscious realm in our minds could inspire us to make efforts consciously to find ways to engage in what we love and care for. Again, my point is, while I thank God for the ways he created our minds, I do not believe people can find long lasting fulfillment just by learning how to find balance in life. As a follower of Christ I search for my fulfillment in God, the source of all lives. Success in my opinion is doing what I can do to the best and leave the outcomes to God.
About the Author
Telile Fikru Badecha
8 responses to “the unconscious mind”
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Telile. I appreciated this comment in particular: “Whether we agree with Brooks’ analysis or not, as human beings we are created with the desire to connect, and have a meaningful relationship with others. We are created for love and fellowship.” I found the book to be very compelling for that very reason. The character seemed to search for meaning or success in various different circumstances and yet ultimately it was the personal connections that they craved for most. Taking time to establish and deepen personal relationships is so important (like lingering over coffee) for all of us. So, besides Sundays after church, how do enjoy spending time deepening relationships with others?
Hi Deve, Thanks for your comments and question. Besides my Sundays after church, I participate in my weekly small bible group and also on Saturdays I try to visit with friends for coffee and play.
I liked your interpretation, Telile. It highlights that while our physical bodies, specifically our brains, are astonishing in how they work, our fulfillment apart from Christ will always be inadequate. We need each other, and we need God. It is through the mutual working of God in us and the body of Christ that we become who we are meant to be. At least that’s what I think. 😉
Hi Julie, I agree with everything you have said. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Telile, happy new year! Thank you for the thoughts on Brook’s book. It was a fascinating read for me and I have learned even more from reading your perspective on some of the ideas he writes about. You are right about the fact that “… we are constantly influencing each other…” I believe this is also one of Brook’ major points; the cognitive and the non-cognitive parts of the human brain are always at work during the process of influencing or be influenced. Both of our action or lack of actions can have certain results.
But one aspect you touched on was in Brook’ words, “Laughter exists for a reason, and it probably existed before humans developed language” Laughter is a great gift and often times helps humans being tap into both the conscious and the unconscious.
ah mah se ga nah lo!!! 🙂
Hi Michael, Happy New Year to you too! Thanks for commenting on my post. Like you, I found it fascinating learning our unconscious mind and its impact on our decision making. Yes, laughter and good humor are good for our bodies and soul.
Weebale!
Telile,
I enjoyed your post and liked how you brought out the possible correlation between success and an individual’s IQ. There is no doubt that intelligence can lead to great success in individuals, but I am sure this is not always the case. There is a distinct difference between intelligence and wisdom. The Bible stresses the wisdom of knowing God over human knowledge and understanding. We can have financial success in this world, but still be a failure when it comes to God’s measure of success.
Richard
Hi Richard, Your comment reminded me of a verse in Matthew where it says “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? I agree with you point.” ( Matt 16:26). Thanks for your thoughts.