Exploring the Mythical Structure: A Journey Through the Heart of Human Societal Development
Uncovering the Characteristics of the Mythical Structure
Jean Gebser's theory proposes the idea of "structures of consciousness", which refers to different forms or stages of human consciousness that have developed throughout history. Gebser identified five structures of consciousness: the archaic, the magical, the mythical, the mental, and the integral. The mythical structure is characterised by a dominant use of symbols, myths, and images to understand and relate to the world.
The mythical structure, as described by Jean Gebser in his theory of structures of consciousness, is characterised by the following traits:
Holistic and intuitive mode of perception: People in the mythical structure experience reality as an integrated whole, in which everything is connected and interrelated. They have a holistic and intuitive mode of perception, in which they see the world as a living organism filled with spirit and magic.
Use of symbols, myths, and images: The mythical structure is marked by a dominant use of symbols, myths, and images to understand and relate to the world. These tools serve as a way to express and connect with the interconnectedness of all things.
Collective mode of consciousness: The mythical structure is associated with a more collective mode of consciousness, in which people experience a sense of unity and belonging to a larger cosmic order. This view of reality as interconnected and interdependent informs the way people in the mythical structure interact with the world and with each other.
Emphasis on community and social relationships: In the mythical structure, community and social relationships are highly valued and seen as essential to the functioning of the world. People in this structure believe that the individual and the collective are interdependent.
Cosmic order: People in the mythical structure believe in a larger cosmic order that governs the universe and influences the fate of the world. This worldview informs their beliefs and actions, and creates a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
These characteristics of the mythical structure reflect a pre-modern way of understanding the world and experiencing reality, in which people saw the world as animated by supernatural forces and viewed reality as interconnected and interdependent.
The Mythical Structure in Action: Examining its Presence in Different Cultures and Societies
Many indigenous communities, which embody the characteristics of the mythical structure, have a strong connection to their traditions and cultural heritage, and their worldview is informed by their beliefs in a larger cosmic order. For instance, the Native American tribes of North America held a strong belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the interdependence of the different elements of reality.
The Santo Daime religious community, based in Brazil, has a spiritual tradition that blends elements of Catholicism and indigenous Amazonian spirituality. They see the world as a living organism filled with spirit and magic, and have a rich tradition of music and dance that is central to their spiritual practice. In the Santo Daime community, community and social relationships are highly valued, and the individual is seen as part of a larger collective. This is reflected in the communal nature of their religious ceremonies, which often involve singing and dancing together in a group.
Another example of a community that embodies the mythical structure is the traditional Hopi tribe of the southwestern United States. The Hopi tribe believes in a larger cosmic order that governs the universe and influences the fate of the world. This worldview is reflected in their beliefs in spiritual beings and in the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with the natural world.
The French Revolution: A Microcosm of the Mythical Structure in Crisis
One event in which the mythical structure played a major role was the French Revolution. The French Revolution was a period of great social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 to 1799. During this time, the French people rejected the old order and sought to create a new society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The holistic worldview was reflected in the ideals of the revolution, which sought to create a society in which the individual was seen as part of a larger collective, and in which all people had equal rights and opportunities. The French Revolution also saw the emergence of new symbols, myths, and images that reflected the ideals of the revolution. These symbols, such as the tri-color flag and the Marianne figure, came to represent the spirit of the revolution and the new society that was being created.
In addition, the French Revolution was marked by a sense of cosmic order and purpose, as the people believed that they were part of a larger movement that was destined to bring about a better world. This sense of purpose and meaning was reflected in the fervor and passion that characterised the revolution, and in the commitment of the people to their ideals and beliefs.
Tragedy at Jonestown: The Dark Side of the Mythical Structure's Influence
The People's Temple, led by Jim Jones, was a cult that was founded in the 1970s and was based on the principles of equality, social justice, and shared community living. The cult was characterised by a strong sense of unity and a belief in a shared purpose, which were hallmarks of the mythical structure. However, the cult's strict adherence to the mythical structure and its charismatic leader, Jim Jones, ultimately led to its downfall.
Jones's charismatic leadership, combined with the cult's strong sense of unity, resulted in a situation where members were discouraged from questioning his authority and decisions. When Jones ordered the mass suicide of 918 members of the cult in 1978, many blindly followed his instructions, resulting in one of the largest mass suicides in modern history. The tragedy at Jonestown serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following a leader or community. While a strong sense of unity and a shared purpose can bring people together, it is also important to maintain a critical perspective and to ensure that decisions are based on reason and evidence, rather than on faith or myth.
The Limits of the Mythical Structure: Understanding its Shortcomings and Driving Forces for Change
The mythical structure is limited in several ways that will eventually lead societies to transition to the mental structure. Some of these limitations include:
Lack of critical thinking: The mythical structure is characterised by a strong sense of unity and a shared purpose, which can discourage individual critical thinking and questioning of authority. This can result in a lack of innovation and progress, as well as a failure to adapt to changing circumstances. This inflexibility can also lead to social, political, and economic stagnation, as well as increased conflict with other societies that have different beliefs and values.
Inability to handle complexity: The mythical structure is based on a simple, coherent view of the world, which can make it difficult for societies to handle complex social, political, and economic problems.
Lack of scientific and technological advancement: The mythical structure is based on myth and religion, which can discourage the development of science and technology. This can result in a failure to make progress in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and transportation, and can lead to a decline in the quality of life for the people of the society.
These limitations of the mythical structure can lead societies to transition to the mental structure, which is characterised by greater critical thinking, adaptability, and scientific and technological advancement. The most famous example of a society transitioning from the mythical to the mental structure was the Enlightenment.
Drawing Conclusions: The Legacy and Relevance of the Mythical Structure in the Modern World
In conclusion, the mythical structure is a stage of cultural and societal development characterised by a shared sense of unity, a common set of myths and symbols, and a strong connection to the natural world. While this structure has played a critical role in shaping human societies throughout history, it is also limited in several ways, including its lack of critical thinking, inflexibility, inability to handle complexity, and lack of scientific and technological advancement. These limitations can lead societies to transition to the mental structure. Understanding the mythical structure is essential for understanding the evolution of human societies and the forces that have shaped the world we live in today.