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The character structure of modern man, who reproduces a six-thousand-year-old patriarchal authoritarian culture is typified by characterological armoring against his inner nature and against the social misery which surrounds him. This characterolgical armoring of the character is the basis of isolation, indigence, craving for authority, fear of responsibility, mystic longing, sexual misery, and neurotically impotent rebelliousness.

Wilhelm Reich#11

PsychologySocietyAuthoritarianismCharacter

About this quote

What does it mean?
Modern men armor themselves against inner nature and social misery, leading to isolation, authority cravings, fear of responsibility, and neurotic rebellion.
In plain terms
People protect themselves from inner and outer suffering, causing isolation and authoritarian cravings.
What can you take from it?
Recognize and dismantle psychological armor to avoid neurotic patterns.

Where it applies

  • living in oppressive cultures
  • experiencing chronic social stress

Putting it to work

  • therapy to uncover inner blocks
  • community building to reduce isolation

Questions to consider

  • What are practical steps to remove psychological armor?
  • How does armor differ across cultures?

Another view

The description is broad and may not apply to all individuals.

More from Wilhelm Reich

  1. The vital energies regulate themselves naturally without compulsive duty or compulsive morality - both of which are sure signs of existing antisocial impulses.

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  2. Nature and culture, instinct and morality, sexuality and achievement become incompatible as a result of the split in the human structure. The unity and congrui…

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Psychic disturbances are the consequences of the sexual chaos of society. For thousands of years, this chaos has had the function of psychically subjecting man…

    Permalink to quote #9

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