This episode is available to members of Living Myth Premium. Subscribe today and receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full Living Myth archives of over 420 episodes and a 30% discount on all online events, courses and audio/book titles.
Recent studies suggest that the ultimate causes for people being willing to spread disinformation and act irresponsibly derive from underlying insecurities and psychological forces. Periods of radical change and uncertainty always place greater stress upon individuals. Yet, the current era of global crises and cultural upheaval may be the epitome of extreme conditions that threaten the basic sense of identity for many people.
Growing levels of cultural insecurity can trigger many people to use their “social identity” as the primary source for feelings of belonging, but also as the basis for a false sense of security and pretenses of superiority. This felt need for finding in-group security creates a willingness to accept reassuring information even when it can easily be proven to be false.
This process, which some call “outsourcing identity,” helps explain how some people and some groups can completely change character, become suddenly radicalized, and no longer be willing to listen to reason. Once a division into Us vs Them can be established, the entire world can be framed as a place of conflict and danger that pits our righteous in-group against outsiders who can also be blamed for all our troubles.
Because the genuine crises in the world must be faced, and despite the strange practice of outsourcing identity, what becomes most important is an awakening of the deeper sense of self in those who would still search for truth and for meaningful solutions.
When the waves of disinformation and misinformation, and the high tide of big lies and false beliefs have arrived, the search for truth becomes more important. And the meaning we are each called to search for begins with the living truth that can be found in the inner resources and sense of deeper self already present and waiting to be found in the heart and soul of each person.
SUPPORT MOSAIC
Please consider a donation to Mosaic to support the podcast and help us continue our creative efforts to use myth, story and imagination to find ways to heal, renew and restore both culture and nature.
LIVING MYTH PREMIUM
This offering gives members access to additional content beyond the free weekly edition of the podcast.
Become a member today and for $10/month receive:
● 3 bonus episodes each month
● The full podcast archives of over 320 episodes
● A 30% discount on all live online events, courses and titles
Your membership helps grow Living Myth and ensures we are able to continue developing and expanding this creative project.
LISTENER COMMENTS
“I cannot recommend this podcast more highly. It is true art/poetry/story medicine and an antidote for the divisive messages surrounding us.”
"I'm so grateful to have found this podcast. The way Michael Meade weaves myth and applies it to the current times we live in really helps me to navigate the challenges I've faced."
"The wisdom and deep perspective that flows through Michael Meade is medicine for me in these times of radical change and uncertainty."