Hidden Life-themes in Fanaticism

Authors

  • Verena Kast

Abstract

Fanaticism and idealism have to be differentiated, even when there are similarities. The fanatic lacks the readiness for dialogue and compromises; instead, he (or she) is prepared to hate or to destroy what is contradictory to the value with which he identifies.

To understand fanaticism, phenomena such as fundamentalism, the effect of unconscious religious needs and images, the handling of the shadow, the anger, the tendency to turn people into objects and the connection to use force, and the not reflected enactment of the myth of the dragon killer will be discussed.

To change fanaticism into a more constructive behaviour - and the closeness to idealism gives some hope for a possible change -, it is meaningful to look for the hidden life-themes in fanaticism. We will find the longing for passion, the longing to be able to influence one's own life and the lives of others and to have spiritual experiences.

Life-themes being in the limelight in the life of a society but also in therapeutic processes could be of help to change the fanatic potential into a life-supporting engagement.

Keywords:
Fanaticism; Idealism; Fundamentalism; Spiritual needs; Shadow; Violence; Myth of the dragon killer; Life-themes.

Author Biography

Verena Kast

Verena Kast, Prof. Dr. phil. Universität Zürich, Psychologin und analytische Psychotherapeutin in freier Praxis.Mitglied der Leitung der Lindauer  Psychotherapiewochen.

Korrespondenz: Prof. Dr. phil. Verena Kast, Hompelistrasse 22, 9008 St. Gallen

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Published

2003-10-01

How to Cite

Kast, V. (2003). Hidden Life-themes in Fanaticism. Psychotherapie-Wissenschaft, 11(4), 191–201. Retrieved from https://psychotherapie-wissenschaft.info/article/view/417

Issue

No. 4 (2003): Psychotherapie Forum 11/4 (veröffentlicht bei Springer Wien New York)

Section

Special Issue

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