Inventing God: Psychology of Belief and the Rise of Secular Spirituality
The Michael Shermer Show
Deep Dive
What is the primary focus of Jon Mills' book 'Inventing God'?
The book explores the psychology of belief and the rise of secular spirituality, examining how the concept of God has evolved and how people find meaning without traditional religion.
How does Jon Mills describe the contemporary practice of psychoanalysis compared to the classical stereotype?
Mills describes contemporary psychoanalysis as radically different from the classical stereotype of a bearded analyst on a couch. It is more about a clinical attitude and sensibility rather than rigid techniques.
What are some common issues people seek help for in psychoanalysis?
People often seek help for long-term conflicts rooted in childhood traumas, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and work-related problems. Adolescents and adults present a wide range of issues.
How does Jon Mills differentiate between short-term and long-term psychoanalytic treatment?
Short-term treatment focuses on immediate concerns, while long-term treatment explores recurring patterns from unresolved childhood conflicts that manifest in various aspects of life.
What does Jon Mills say about the efficacy of psychoanalysis?
Mills acknowledges that psychoanalysis is subjective and tailored to individual needs. While it can improve a person's life, it's challenging to quantify its effectiveness across large groups due to the uniqueness of each person's experience.
How does Jon Mills explain the dual forces in human nature according to Freud?
Mills explains that Freud proposed two competing forces: the will toward life (eros) and the will toward death (thanatos). These forces manifest as caring and aggressive propensities, constantly interacting within individuals and society.
What does Jon Mills say about the moralization of aggression?
Mills suggests that an overly harsh or judgmental superego can harness aggressive energies to justify harmful actions, leading people to act out on principles or ideals, even to the point of justifying violence.
How does Jon Mills view the decline of violence in modern society?
Mills acknowledges the decline in violence but remains concerned about existential risks, such as nuclear war and environmental collapse, which could still threaten civilization.
What does Jon Mills say about the transmission of trauma across generations?
Mills explains that trauma can be transmitted through attachment patterns and family dynamics, where unresolved traumas affect how parents relate to their children, potentially reactivating past issues.
What does Jon Mills think about the rise in mental health issues among youth?
Mills attributes the rise in mental health issues among youth to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, excessive screen time, and a lack of in-person social interactions, though he notes that the causes are overdetermined.
What is Jon Mills' view on the concept of God and its evolution?
Mills believes that the need for God arises from various motivations, including conditioning, the desire for a comforting attachment figure, and the need for self-regulation. He distinguishes between the concept of God and organized religion.
How does Jon Mills explain the oceanic feeling described by Freud?
Mills describes the oceanic feeling as a sensation of limitlessness and eternity, which can be a source of religious energy. It is a subjective experience that does not necessarily imply personal immortality or belief in a deity.
What is Jon Mills' next project in writing?
Mills is currently working on a critique of critical social justice within the field of psychoanalysis, focusing on the impact of wokeness on the profession.
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