The Hardware and Software of the Mind
Where the study of Personality went wrong in the modern Psychological discourse
Sun Dec 10 2023
The mind can only be understood by experts who have the educational background. It is too complex.
Ya right.
When people talk about the understanding of the mind they talk in terms of hardware. What is the biology of the brain. Where are the lobes and cortexes? What connects to what? What happens in the brain when a person sees a picture of a puppy?
But what happens when something goes wrong in the brain. In extreme cases one may undergo brain surgery, but more likely the person goes to a therapist or a psychologist to examine the software within the brain.
Understanding the Software in the Brain
Exploring the human mind reveals a complex interplay between its physical structure and its intangible processes.
Much like a computer operates with both hardware and software, the human mind is formed of the brain’s physical components and the immaterial elements like thoughts, emotions, and personality. Modern science has proficiently mapped the brain’s anatomy, yet it struggles to decode the subtler aspects of how we think, feel, and engage with our surroundings. This exploration into the mind’s “software” is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
Grasping these intangible elements continues to be a formidable challenge, setting the stage for deeper inquiries into the psychological sciences.
The Overlooked Gem: Personality Theory
In the pursuit of empirical, tangible evidence, the subtle complexities of personality and emotion often get sidelined, dismissed as “pseudo-science” by those who favor measurable data. Yet, what if emotions are not just byproducts of biochemical processes but are central to shaping our identity and behavior?
Emotions are often viewed as the problem
In our modern society, the default response to emotional struggles often involves quick pharmacological solutions rather than engaging discussions.
The prevailing culture of immediate gratification pushes many to seek fast relief from discomfort, leading to a heavy reliance on medications as the first line of defense against emotional distress. This approach, while sometimes necessary, can overshadow the benefits of psychotherapy and personal reflection, which often provide more sustainable healing. By prioritizing prescriptions, we risk neglecting the deeper exploration of emotions that could unveil the root causes of psychological issues and foster long-term wellness.
Recognizing the value of conversations about emotions is essential for developing a more profound and comprehensive approach to mental health. Carl Jung understood the importance of emotions.
From Jung to Now: The Shift from software to hardware
Carl Jung, inspired by Freud, pioneered the exploration of psychological archetypes.
Through psychoanalysis he attempted to map out what was happening inside the mind. He sought to explore the difference between stated preferences and revealed preferences. He was trying to map out archetypes or personalities. Over time, however, his subjective methods of study fell out of favor. They were replaced by the objective, reproducible experiments of behaviorism—like Skinner’s box and Pavlov’s dogs.
As we advanced into the realm of cognitive psychology and neuroimaging, the focus remained predominantly on the brain’s hardware. We mapped out the brain and learned which parts activate during specific tasks.
These approaches are far from what Freud and Jung were trying to do.
Archetypes Reveal the Way
The Greeks understood the importance of archetypes.
The Greeks had gods that were flawed. But the gods weren’t meant to be perfect. The gods were archetypes and their stories served as both inspiration and cautionary tales. These stories helped Greeks form a type of pattern recognition when it came to understanding people.
This pattern recognition that came from observing archetypes gave the Greeks a form of self awareness.
Today, we lack a shared set of archetypes. This leaves a gap in our collective understanding of the underlying emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors that drive human actions. Many wait for research to be done so that the experts can tell us how to feel, think, and act.
Our absence of common archetypes also means we miss out on a level of self-awareness that was prevalent among the Greeks, who not only embraced these archetypes but also used them to forge foundational ideas in philosophy.
Advocates of the Less Tangible Aspects of Psychology
The following contemporary thinkers and practitioners are leading a renaissance in understanding the depths of our internal experiences, championing the exploration of emotions, personal narratives, and the subtle complexities of human behavior.
Dr. Brené Brown: Bridging Empirical Research and Emotional Insight
Dr. Brené Brown stands out as a trailblazer in integrating empirical research with the nuanced exploration of emotions. Her groundbreaking work on vulnerability, courage, and shame is rooted in extensive qualitative research, including thousands of interviews. Brown delves deep into the emotional landscapes of individuals, examining how emotions shape our identity, relationships, and behavior. Her ability to connect empirical findings with profound emotional insights has revolutionized how we understand human connection and resilience.Esther Perel: A Fusion of Clinical Knowledge and Emotional Depth
Esther Perel, renowned for her work on relationships and intimacy, masterfully combines her background in clinical psychology with a rich exploration of the emotional aspects of human connections. Her approach goes beyond empirical data, delving into the intricate psychological dynamics that govern intimacy, trust, and desire in relationships. Perel's work is a testament to integrating scientific understanding with a deep appreciation of human psychology's less tangible, emotional aspects.Jordan Peterson: Archetypes, Myths, and Personality Analysis
Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and cultural commentator, is known for his unique approach that intertwines the study of archetypes and myths with modern psychological practice. He advocates using the Big Five personality test, grounding his explorations of narrative and mythology in empirical psychology. Peterson’s work demonstrates how ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding can be interwoven to better understand human behavior and personality.Ray Dalio: Applying Personality Insights in the Business World
Ray Dalio, in his influential book ”Principles,” dedicates an entire chapter to personality, underscoring his recognition of psychology’s role in understanding human behavior, particularly in the context of business and leadership. Dalio’s approach reflects a pragmatic understanding of the importance of psychological insights in the professional realm, acknowledging that a deep understanding of personality can be crucial in effective decision-making and team management.
These thought leaders exemplify the synergy that can be achieved when empirical methods are combined with a deep exploration of emotions, archetypes, and personal narratives, offering a holistic approach to understanding human psychology.
The Future
A holistic understanding of the mind requires us to embrace both the seen and the unseen, the measurable and the immeasurable, the hardware and the software of the mind. The mind is not just a machine to be studied from the outside; it’s a rich, complex world waiting to be explored from within.