Motivations in Atheists: Self-mastery - -
(= Miguel Farias: "The Psychology of Atheism", part 2)
"If I were to use a single term to characterize what psychologically distinguishes modern atheists from other people, I would say: a Gnostic drive.
"...at a plain psychological level, both modern atheists and Gnostics are deeply driven by a desire for self-mastery —
and knowledge acquisition is a privileged way of attaining mastery.
"The somewhat introverted, or intellectual, expression of self-mastery in existentialism has become an extraverted one in twenty-first century atheism: self-reflective autonomy has given way to competitive individualism, the desire to master and portray oneself as distinct from the rest of humanity.
"Concerning motivations, atheists are practically indistinguishable from New Age individuals. The characterization of atheists as more individualistic, non-conformist, liberal and open to new experiences applies equally to individuals engaged in modern spirituality. Even more explicitly than atheists, they cultivate self-mastery and endeavour to acquire knowledge, either intellectual or experiential, in order to transcend the abyss between the self and the world."
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why would you even attempt to characterize such a complex system of individuals with one term? trying to pinpoint the psychological mechanism for why some people suspend reason and others don't? i'd bet you a dollar there is a whole set of atheists that have this as a non-motivational driver: "my parents were atheists." i'll guess that much like some believers that have never examined their faith, they may not take it farther than - this is the way it is.
and
"The somewhat introverted, or intellectual, expression of self-mastery in existentialism has become an extraverted one in twenty-first century atheism: self-reflective autonomy has given way to competitive individualism, the desire to master and portray oneself as distinct from the rest of humanity."
maybe i am taking my idea from a lack of context (or flat don't get the statement,) but couldn't more overt atheism in the 21st century be from penalties (social stigma to worse) for loudly speaking your mind about it are diminished or less severe? at least in my country. i have to imagine so in most western countries if in my country... we're kind of backward, imo. seems reasonable to me that i would be more willing to speak my mind if my tongue in front of me on a platter isn't an outcome i would expect. in addition, solidarity. all the charts i have seen (again mostly my country) show "nones" growing. easier to commiserate and find like views (technology too, this forum for example) as well as breed more heathens.
concerning motivations? did you see our news here? the one about the Tennessee lawmaker that wants to abolish higher education here? higher education is the satan because it is too liberal. i am not sure, but i have to hope that these dudes are non-conformists. certain parts of my country, i am not sure they are, but i hope so. that sort of religiosity makes me want to scream from the rooftops at these ****ing morons.
maybe on the ideas i missed the boat.
larsatrg
Level 7
Sep 12, 2019
0
Maybe there’s not a sharp delineation between atheists and those interested in spirituality. A person can take a bold plunge in rejecting church dogma but treat that rejection as just a necessary phase, moving on to a deeper understanding than was offered by churches. Another option is to make their rejection into a major splash, a grand reason for existence.
WilliamFleming
Level 8
Sep 12, 2019
1
IMO, it is easy to agree with this analysis, with one exception. It paints a very narcissistic picture of the non secular.
In my experience with other non theists, this isn't a characteristic attribute possessed by the median of the non secular.
Heathenman
Level 7
Sep 12, 2019
0
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