“having an internal locus of control is associated with less stress and better health, whereas having an external locus of control is correlated with anxiety disorders. Importantly, an internal locus of control appears to be a decisive factor in determining whether one will be psychologically resilient.”
We are all ultimately in control of our own destiny. To lose sight of this is to live forever like an infant, at the mercy of those who feed us, bathe is, and manipulate us in ever possible way. Adulthood means making all those choices, for better or worse, taking control over ourselves.
Life calls us forth to independence, and anyone who does not heed this call because of childhood laziness or timidity is threatened with neurosis. And once this has broken out, it becomes an increasingly valid reason for running away from life and remaining forever in the morally poisonous atmosphere of infancy. –Carl Jung
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6 responses to “A culture of infantilism”
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The whole “external locus of control” thing also leads to learned helplessness, and crushing depression. Taking control of yourself and your life is freeing, terrifying, and comforting, all at once.
Speaking as a former “ward of the state” that escaped the welfare trap.
As someone who escaped an abusive relationship, having the ability to control… well, anything, is a heady feeling at times.
23 skidoo
Happiness in life is the result of making more good choices than bad choices on a daily basis. In the USA every individual is free to choose their path. Some choose to make themselves less ignorant. Some don’t. Some choose to work hard. Some don’t. Some experiment with drugs to excess. Some don’t. Some take risks with the possibility of being rewarded, while others choose security.
Today is a new day, and everyone has a choice to make.
[…] fight for their futures. The difference isn’t the kids. It’s the culture. We really do infantilize…well, women in particular. That makes me worry about my […]