Say what you mean.

One week into Psychology course conducted by Yale University via Coursera , I was particularly intrigued by Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory whereby he spelled truth that some may find uncomfortable to hear. He shared that our actions are coached by unconscious motivation, reasons, and dynamics.

Admittedly, it’s quite common to feel indecisive of important calls in life. Often, there are little angel and devil who constantly battle in our mind over what’s the best decision for greater good. With deep thought, we thought we knew. Perhaps, we don’t. Based on Freud’s theory, even though we have made a conscious decision (we thought!), the decision could be a rejection of the common sense conception that we know what we are doing.

Say for instance, “Your dog is adorable“. It is a wise thing to say to avoid conflict and judgement from others. ‘Wise’ is based on rational thinking; it’s the right thing to do, and unconsciously we do believe in what we said. Contrary and brutally, it could be an animalistic and evil thought of “I hate dogs, including yours. I would get rid of them if I had a choice“. A thought that we are conscious not to mention, a thought that we buried deep under because it’s just the right thing to do.

Freud’s theory left me wonder if we do always mean what we said? 

“You might just as well say that “I see what I eat” is the same thing as “I eat what I see!” said the Hatter – by Lewis Carroll

Photo by Jon Tyson