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In the course of thousands of years of mechanical development, the mechanistic concept, from generation to generation, has anchored itself deeply in man's biological system. In so doing, it actually has altered human functioning in the sense of the machine-like. In the process of killing his genital function, man has become biologically rigid. He has armored himself against that which is natural and spontaneous within him, he has lost contact with the biological function of self-regulation and is filled with a strong fear of that which is alive and free.

Wilhelm Reich#30

PsychologyFearBiologyCultureHuman natureRigidityTechnology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mechanical thinking has made humans rigid and fearful of natural spontaneity, disconnecting them from innate self‑regulation.
In plain terms
Mechanistic ideas have hardened human behavior and increased fear of natural impulses.
What can you take from it?
Reconnecting with our biological nature can reduce rigidity.

Where it applies

  • mental health therapy
  • educational curricula
  • personal development

Putting it to work

  • encourage body‑mind practices
  • reduce over‑mechanization
  • promote natural expression

Questions to consider

  • In what ways do modern systems limit our natural instincts?
  • How can we restore balance between technology and biology?

Another view

The claim may oversimplify complex social and technological influences.

More from Wilhelm Reich

  1. If 'freedom' means, first of all, the responsibility of every individual for the rational determination of his own personal, professional and social existence,…

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  2. Work democracy does not wish to prevent or prohibit anything. Its only intention is the fulfilment of the biological life functions, of love, work and knowledg…

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. Only a work democracy can create the foundation of genuine freedom. Long experience in sociological disputes leads me to expect that a great many people will t…

    Permalink to quote #28

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