All things are contained in the hearts of men. This has been one of my maxims for a good long while.
What does it mean? That man is capable of any deed. And precisely therein lies the proof.
This leads us to the paradoxical conclusion that a man is [or ought to be] identified according to those aspects
of their character which are repressed, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Typology in this sense pertains only to that which isn't done - Which gives us, I feel, a greater understanding of people as a whole. The darker side of our nature can tell us more than psychologists think. The fact that for most people that side remains consciously repressed is a sign that many choose good [or at least balance] over evil.
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ReplyDeleteFirebrand, why should man be identified with the repressed traits? Wouldn't a more accurate idea be the totality of his experience?
ReplyDeleteI do agree, however, that the repressed character is more interesting that the other. But I don't agree that this necessarily leads to the conclusion that the repression is the sign that men choose good over evil.
Maybe its the opposite; that is, man represses certain traits of his character because the evil (or more evil - if they are consciously are a evil person) traits are those that they would get punished for.
The question, I think, I'm trying to get at is this: why is the repressed evil seen as entailing that they want to be good, rather than for their own fear of punishment and survival
Maybe I should rephrase that - Repressed qualities are just as pertinent to a character analysis as those which are expressed. A bit sophistical I guess, you've got a point =)
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