Animal Spirits and the Dualistic Brain
The first thing you need to understand is we are animals. Our animal brains evolved in a specific way, for a world we no longer live in. They are programmed to prioritize survival, reproduction, and detecting danger. When this old OS encounters the inputs of our modern world, it can lead to recurring anxiety and unhappiness. Modern and ancient writers have described this struggle.
"Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman describes his research on the dual-systems theory of the mind, which posits two cognitive systems at play in our decision-making process: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slower and more deliberate.
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink” explores “thin-slicing,” or the ability of the subconscious mind to make quick and accurate decisions based on limited information.
“The Happiness Hypothesis “ by Jonathan Haidt examines different ancient wisdom from Eastern and Western cultures and critiques them with scientific evidence. An allegory he uses throughout the book to describe our conscious and unconscious mind is an elephant rider who can either struggle to control the animal or learn skills to tame it.
The neural framework Sigmund Freud developed through working with psychiatric patient’s was the id, ego and superego, which similarly describes conscious and subconscious desires and how they interact to make up a humans psychology.
In Plato’s chariot allegory, a charioteer (the human soul) works to drive two horses, one representing desire and the other reason, towards knowledge and truth.
When we are unaware of how subconscious processing affects us, we cannot understand our feelings - which are driven by the habit loops, traumas and experiential associations accumulated through life.
By daily awareness of this programming we can consciously challenge and change habitual thinking patterns. We then live happier and more fulfilling lives.
You should write to create awareness of these deep brain currents. By putting the churn onto paper, you find a more peaceful mind.
Even a 5% increase in daily happiness is consequential.