David Tanguay

Finding “Sanity” Through Reasonable Debate



Posted: Thursday, April 19, 2007

by

(Sanity: “That which is in within the frame of reference of conventional thought" Erich Fromm

 I have always admired Erich Fromm’s work. “Webster’s definition of sanity is: 1 the state of being sane 2 soundness of judgment

I see how both of these definitions find their authenticity. However, I do not believe these definitions can justify soundness of mind. Those attributed with the traits described by Fromm’s depiction of sanity may overwhelm our population. For to have conventional thought in society (as we know it) is to conform to an established and realistic way of life. Also, ridicule those whom by nature cannot adjust to social conditions for reasons not entirely known by the science of psychology. For eccentric behavior is not always rooted from a form of mental illness.

On the other hand Webster’s definition of sanity: to have soundness of judgment. This may apply to actions resulting and relating to societies rules and standards. (Beyond natural instinctual actions) To judge according to established rules and laws, however, this state of mind only serves and protects the inhabitants living under the laws recognized by societies accepted customs. However, this type of judgment does not bring justification to dissenters whom by nature through their actions are to reform established law from its crude nature to a more evolved and more civilized standard of living.

So here, we have a conflict of interest, how then are we as a people to function in society? Certainly, we do have laws to live by. However why then should one break society’s laws if our system of governing ourselves is just for all of its inhabitants. Surely, there is a motive behind all of our actions. There is no, nor ever will be a perfect way of life for we as a people are not a perfect people.

Apathy is the cure for dealing with our society as it is. For we have those who want change and speak of change. However, those who are opposed to change confront those who want change negatively. We have always used debate in this country to reach reasonable solutions to our problems. However, we must not debate on the principle of winning an argument on an issue, but through negotiations finding the remedy to please all party’s involved. Hey, is there another way to avoid conflict between different viewpoints?

 


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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Joseph Collins
 4 years 275 days ago.
19 fans.
David, Interesting article! I never heard anyone say that apathy was the cure to society. Please expand..... Thanks!
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» left by 4 years 275 days ago.
Well Joe, I perhaps used the wrong word, that is apathy as a “cure.” cure, isn’t the word I should have used. Let’s just say a sedative so to speak. Haven’t you noticed how most people act indifferent after they’ve stop trying to make sense of it all. Just go with the flow seems to be the way to live.
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