The Fourier Complex | Opposition to Capitalism

#economics #psychology #complex

The anti-capitalist will not use reason. They would come to a radically different conclusion if they did. Ludwig von Mises believed this. In discussing the psychological roots of anti-liberalism, he said “It cannot be the task of this book to discuss the problem of social cooperation otherwise than with rational arguments. But the root of the opposition to liberalism cannot be reached by resort to the method of reason. This opposition does not stem from the reason, but from a pathological mental attitude—from resentment and from a neurasthenic condition that one might call a Fourier complex,” he continued “a serious disease of the nervous system, a neurosis, which is more properly the concern of the psychologist than of the legislator. Yet it cannot be neglected in investigating the problems of modern society. Unfortunately, medical men have hitherto scarcely concerned themselves with the problems presented by the Fourier complex.” This was true at the time this was written. The issue had been neglected, but it was address, not by medical men, but a medical man. Few, if any, are more qualified for this task than world-renowned psychologist Carl G. Jung.

Dr. Jung immediately pointed out the state was the opponent of the individual’s mind in The Undiscovered Self. Jung said “The moral responsibility of the individual is then inevitably replaced by the policy of the State…The goal and meaning of individual life (which is the only real life) no longer lie in individual development but in the policy of the State, which is thrust upon the individual from outside and consists in the execution of an abstract idea which ultimately tends to attract all life to itself.” The individual uses reason to determine the best course of action. State policy takes the place of individual actions carried out by reason, thus, reason has been annihilated. Jung points to the only real life is the individual life. Life has been stunted when the individual’s goals have been removed.