That's good to recognize that in ourselves. Thanks for your answer and, you're welcome.Res Ipsa wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 5:58 pmIf your reference to capacity to cause great harm was simply a reference to the types of harm ordinary humans are capable of, that answers my question. Being an ordinary human myself, I don't see myself as exempt from having what you refer to as a "dark side." I'm not sure that "arrogance" is the word I'd use, but I agree with Peterson that it's a mistake to think of oneself as being immune from the circumstances that lead humans to commit atrocities.Valo wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2024 5:37 pm
I already started by acknowledging that I will assume the same.
I mean what are the capacities inherent in all humans? We all have a darkside. Many, maybe most, deny it, but it's there. Anger, frustration, impatient, bickering, bad mouthing, being deceptive, we all carry that capacity.
It's important to acknowledge it and recognize your own particular dark pulls. Meaning some struggle with superficial ego driven anger and allow that anger to spill over in to violence towards others.
Jordan Peterson really turned me on to this idea several years ago when he talked about how he studied the problem of evil and how he tried to see if he was capable of doing such things as let's say those in the Nazi party, and his conclusion was that, yes, it's arrogance to assume it was particularly evil people who committed the atrocities.
How about you? Do you acknowledge your darkside?
Thanks for answering my questions. I may have more.
Depression is also a part of the darkside. I think most people don't think of it like that but it is as well, an expression of the darkside.
The darkside also includes death, fear of death, pain, suffering, etc.
It's important we are honest about our weaknesses our flaws and the parts of us we might want to try and hide from others.
From the 12 Step Program:
"Why Honesty is Important
Honesty is critical in recovery because it helps individuals confront their flaws and weaknesses. It allows them to take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge their mistakes. Honesty also helps individuals build trust with others, which is essential in the recovery process. When individuals are honest with themselves and others, they can work together to overcome their struggles and achieve a more fulfilling life.
How Honesty Works in the 12 Steps
The principle of honesty is evident in every step of the 12-step program. In Step 1, individuals are encouraged to admit powerlessness and honesty about their situation. In Step 4, they make a searching and fearless moral inventory of themselves, which requires honesty about their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In Step 5, they admit the exact nature of their wrongs, which is a crucial aspect of honesty.
Benefits of Honesty in Recovery
The benefits of honesty in recovery are numerous. It helps individuals:
Develop a sense of accountability and responsibility
Build trust with others
Confront their flaws and weaknesses
Take responsibility for their actions
Achieve a more fulfilling life
Conclusion
Honesty is a critical principle in the 12-step program, and it’s essential for a healthy recovery. It helps individuals confront their flaws and weaknesses, build trust with others, and take responsibility for their actions. By embracing honesty, individuals can achieve a more fulfilling life and overcome their struggles with addiction."