In this session of the workshop we covered all of Chapter 3 on the hysteroidal cycle, as well as a few points we skipped in the previous one, on macropathy and social divisions. We discussed how this chapter builds on the foundation of the concepts in Chapter 2, specifically the psychological structure of society (socio-occupational adjustment and the complex mosaic of individuals) and the psychological worldview.
We also focused on a few key topics, such as the instinct to react initially to bad times with the use of force, followed by a years-long process teaching the value of mental efforts; why good times are often associated with successful wars of conquest or otherwise at some other group’s expense; and what it means to say that hysteria can be understood as a formative deficiency of character.
Other points included:
Lobaczewski’s description of the flaws in the American character and social structure, possible mitigating features inherent in American culture and geography
His 1984 predictions of the non-violent fall of communism, and the coming American sociopolitical crisis
Peter Turchin’s work on secular cycles supporting many of Lobaczewski’s claims
Social bonds, how they break during crisis periods, and reform during bad times
How moral values are founded on realistic psychological knowledge
During the next session, we will discuss the first major section of Chapter 4 (on “acquired deviations”). For readers with the print copy, this will be pages 71-101.
The next session is scheduled for Saturday, January 6 at 12:30 pm.
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