Societal Impact on Gender, Emotions, and Human Connection

Social Influence on Gender and Emotions

From a young age, society shapes our understanding of gender and emotions. Societal pressures often encourage women to be more emotional, while men are expected to be more aggressive and physical. This early characterization influences children's play and behavior, with girls often engaging in gentle, emotional games, and boys in more physical and violent ones.

The Anguish of Separateness

Separateness is a source of human anguish, leading to feelings of isolation and helplessness. This isolation can feel like an 'asylum,' preventing genuine connection with others. The story of Adam and Eve illustrates this; upon realizing their nakedness and difference (being of different sexes), they felt shame and guilt, highlighting the separation caused by a lack of capacity to love. The deepest human need is to overcome this separateness.

Seeking Connection and Belonging

One common way to combat separateness is to feel 'equal' and belong to a group. This need to avoid isolation drives individuals to resolve differences and become part of a community, escaping anxiety and loneliness.

Routines and Creative Activity

To combat feelings of isolation, individuals often adopt routines or engage in creative activities. Routines, such as social activities, provide a sense of belonging and structure, alleviating separateness. Creative activities, like art or craftsmanship, allow individuals to feel 'one' with their creation, offering another outlet for overcoming separateness.

Orgiastic States

Orgiastic states can also provide a temporary solution to separateness. However, these states are often short-lived and can lead to addiction (alcoholism, drug addiction, compulsive sex, etc.) as individuals seek to recapture the feeling of connection.