Is pessimism irresponsible?
Some people think it is, but many do not.
To the question “Are we doomed” Anne Applebaum replied, “Pessimism is irresponsible”. That’s an interesting reply and I think it aligns with a higher level of differentiation. What would a systems perspective indicate on this point?
Differentiated thinking isn’t pessimistic
An individual with a higher level of differentiation can think more objectively and rationally in the face of adversity. This is because their reactivity or feelings don’t overwhelm their ability to reason and think objectively. Dr. Bowen observed instances of feelings overwhelming thinking in families that he worked with. He believed humans behave as if they possess three “systems” that affect their actions due to the significant nature of this phenomenon.
Emotion, feeling, and intellectual systems
These systems are the emotional, the feeling, and the intellectual systems. The development of these ideas occurred in the early stages of the cognitive revolution in psychology. His work was based on clinical experience and organized around testing hypotheses about behavior in families. These systems are conceptual, as we now know that the brain is one very integrated system. These concepts, however, are still useful, as they reflect aspects of brain functioning. For example, thinking objectively is a type of functioning of the brain, but there is no “intellectual system” in the brain.
Emotions surface as feelings
The important point is this: when our emotional system, which is instinctually driven by physiology (thirst, hunger, threats) gets activated enough, our feeling system kicks in. This is when and how we become consciously aware of the emotional system’s needs. For example, your blood sugar is changing all the time, but when you “feel” hungry, it’s the emotional system coming into awareness via the feeling system. Then, hopefully, the intellectual system can come into play and the individual can make choices about what, how much, and when to eat something. One can take the least effort, most pleasurable approach, or a more thoughtful and healthy approach. It all depends on the principles and goals a person has.
Threat response turns into pessimism
A poorly differentiated person will operate more on feelings. These individuals choose what feels good at the moment, what removes or soothes any discomfort. They will want others to help them in this process. They are far less likely to take responsibility for their actions. More often, they will claim to be helpless or a victim when the going gets tough.
They are the most likely to say “We are doomed”.
The more differentiated person is more responsible for themself. In any situation, they think about what can be done. It is their principles and goal orientation that guide their behavior. They can tolerate the discomfort as they work to live by their principles and reach their goals. It’s important to note that this DOES NOT include impinging on others or taking advantage of others.
They are most likely to say, “Doomed you say? I’m curious about how you think about this.”
Doers, not doomers
Differentiated people are not afraid to have tough conversations. They are better able to manage feelings (emotional regulation) in order to think more objectively. They are more likely to think, “if this is what is, what am I going to do about it?”
A systems oriented individual accepts that they have a part to play in almost any situation. They focus on what they can do and are clear about what they won’t do. They focus on actions that fulfill their principles of being responsible to others, but not for others. Recognizing how interdependent they are with the planet and everyone on it, they work to do their part regardless of what others are doing.
Follow principles, not popularity
What Dr. Bowen observed is a common behaviour of individuals whose feelings have overwhelmed their thinking. They go helpless. They feel doomed. Their thinking gets very subjective because of the intensity of their feelings. This can happen with any level of differentiation given enough stress on the individual. However, it will happen more often with individuals with lower levels of differentiation.
Avoiding necessary work is irresponsible
The pessimism of “we’re doomed” is a feeling and a subjective judgment. Some people use this to avoid doing the hard work that needs to be done. I don’t think that’s a responsible way to live.
A more differentiated individual might be pessimistic, but will still work on doing what they can instead of just giving up. They will remember that how they think about a problem might be part of the problem. To be sure, working hard to resolve any problem isn’t easy or fun. But it’s the only way out of a bad situation. I think that is a more responsible way to live.
Thank you for your interest in systems.
Dave Galloway
If you have an idea for a post, email me at: dave.galloway@livingsystems.ca
You can read more about Bowen Theory here.
This article inspired this post: pessimism is irresponsible
