In his book Paranoia: The Madness That Makes History, Luigi Zoja offers a multidimensional analysis of paranoia, illuminating historical events through a psychological lens. This essential read provides crucial insights into the dangers of this « lucid madness » and its implications for our contemporary world.
Representation of the Paranoid Hero (DALL-E)
This Top Pick features Luigi Zoja’s book titled Paranoia: The Madness That Makes History.
French version of this Top Pick
Individual paranoia
Every typical mental process [of paranoia] is potentially present in us. The temptation to reject our responsibilities and attribute evil to others is no exception. An inner voice suggests that this is in our own interest. However weak, however hidden, it exists in everyone. (p. 13)
Collective paranoia
Luigi Zoja describes what collective paranoia (historical and cultural) or mental contamination within society is, namely suspicion which is projected onto others due to a lack of self-critical education, which is then propagated by the media.
Individual paranoia is the unconscious attempt to cure a defective psychic equilibrium by projecting responsibility onto an adversary and denying him human qualities. Something similar happens between peoples: relations between countries based on a self-perception of superiority always require a certain amount of madness and dehumanization of the others. (p. 304)
The author shows us how this « lucid madness » can manifest in everyday life and politics, leading to destructive actions that seem coherent yet based on incorrect beliefs. The goal of paranoid phobia is to distance and ultimately annihilate differences.
Paranoia from beginning to end
Luigi Zoja explores the deep roots of paranoia in culture and history. Paranoia has shaped mythology through figures such as Ajax and Cain, impacted literature with characters like Othello—whose doubts are sown by Iago—and left a significant mark on history with leaders such as Hitler and Stalin. The experiences and traits of paranoid individuals are detailed, psychological processes are clarified, and chain reactions are examined, illuminating the inevitable global consequences of these phenomena.
From the massacres of Native Americans to the preemptive wars waged by democracies against terrorism, and the atrocities of World War II, historical accounts reveal how paranoia fuels policies of terror and widespread destruction. Luigi Zoja explores the mechanisms of mass psychic contagion, demonstrating how they have shaped and continue to influence our collective history.
Every mechanism is dissected, every detail is scrutinized, and history is laid bare. Paranoia reads like a thriller. Paranoia is terrifying, but the horror is not fiction—the facts are, unfortunately, all too real!
We have followed paranoia’s trail of blood. It already existed when our history began. It seems to have neither beginning nor end, as if its historical essence replicated its psychological essence. It is changeless.
Paranoia is disguised as life – in its seeming normality, the way it merges with everyday life – but it is not life. It never bends, never moves, is never healed. It puts on an act, the better to strike anyone who lowers their guard.
If it has travelled from the beaches of Troy to our own front door, from Homer’s night to the page torn out of the calendar yesterday, then we must acknowledge that it is primordial and almost invincible. (p. 266)
By meticulously examining each event, reaction, and sequence, the author illustrates how paranoia spreads globally and perpetuates itself, originating from individual thoughts and eventually feeding back into them.
Paranoia today?
Will we learn from the mistakes of the past? That remains uncertain. His book, first published in Italian in 2011 and in English in 2017—well before the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine—provides valuable insights into these events but underscores that this madness will persist unless there is more individual awareness.
The conclusion is unequivocal:
It is not our task to mete out justice; we have learned that it is too dangerous to have your hands on a culprit and feel that justice is on your side. We do have another and more difficult task. Within ourselves, we must keep saying no to suspicion and allusion. For they are the real temptation, the only one that is constantly reborn. It is the evil that runs through each of us and the whole of history. For his part, he will keep tempting us, every day. For our part, we must say no to Iago. (p. 323)
A remarkable book, equally fascinating and unsettling—an absolute must-read!
Original Top Pick and translation by Claire Droin
July 2024
Quotes taken from the paperback edition.
Claire Droin
Located in Villefranche-sur-Saône, north of Lyon, France, Claire Droin works as a psychopractitioner and leads workshops aimed at exploring and enhancing self-awareness.
Claire is interested in C.G. Jung’s thoughts and vision of the psychic world, drawing inspiration and comprehensive understanding from his writings.
Through her practice and her contributions to Espace Francophone Jungien, Claire is committed to helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of their true nature.
For more information, visit her website PBAtitude.
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