In our day to day interactions with people, we often prioritize speaking over listening and that is the reason for most disagreements, divorces and conflicts. Not listening to other people’s opinion, has become so integrated in our culture that we allow religious beliefs, racial sentiments and ideological differences get in the way of social progress. This inability to consider others in our decision making is what I call the “dumb ego syndrome.
The dumb ego syndrome is a psychological disorder which is characterized by the inability to listen to unconventional opinions, see things from different perspectives and consider others in ones actions.
The symptoms of this disease are well pronounced in terrorists, religious fanatics and antisocial idealists. Dumb ego syndrome causes a breach in communication between the affected persons and their community. It is caused by three factors, namely;
Weakness factor: Man’s philosophy, government and religion originate from his interests and disinterests; however, his perception of the world is largely determined by his weakness. In Africa, the reasons many people are over-religious is because of the high level of poverty, hardship and deaths. Since there is no responsible government to solve their problems, they have no choice but to turn to God for divine help in all sphere of life. Unlike Africa, over-religiousness is not a problem in America and other developed nations because, to an extent, they have responsible governments and the people see no reason to disturb God for all their needs. Do not get me wrong; asking God for anything is not bad but asking God for everything stems from societal weakness, which makes the human soul useless.
People will never listen to any idea they perceive to be a threat and they will demonize any truth or fact that exposes their weakness. In a bid to keep surviving on God, most Africans are blinded by dogma. This is the reason for religious terrorism, doctrinal extremism and all havoc that is done in the name of a divine entity.
Traditional factor: Our traditions go a long way in restricting societal changes. All conventional systems have someone fighting for or against them. Those who are defending their traditions will see new inventions, philosophies and ideas as threats to their hierarchical power. They will do anything to hamper development.
Emotional factor: Once people are emotionally attached to a concept or system, their eyes of reason will be clouded by feelings and no matter how good your idea is, they will not heed to your ideological stance. As humans, good judgment is largely dependent on our emotional balance.
Terrorists, religious fanatics and ideological extremists are just 3rd grade dumb-ego patients but you might also, be at the earlier stage of this disease without knowing it. Conduct this little test on yourself or allow your loved ones to help you with it. Ask yourself these three questions;
1)What are the sentiments that are affecting my perception and judgment of life?
2)What is the source of such sentiments?
3)Are they emotional, traditional or ideological?
Oliver Wendell said “It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen”. In order to increase your communication skills, sell your ideas and make peace with others, you need to understand the basis of Dumb-ego syndrome. After which you can now enlighten yourself about the stages of dumb ego syndrome. Stages of Dumb-ego syndrome will be published tomorrow; make sure you follow our blog for more and like this post, if you love💗 it.
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POSS
