How Symbols Work for Primitive and Modern Man

Symbols have always been a part of humanity from the time we’ve been able to form myths.

Myths have the innate nature of being symbolic and are to be interpreted in a similar fashion.

However, it takes keen observation to notice how these symbols worked out for primitive man and how they now work for the modern man.

Referring back to the time when we were foragers, we had an infantile consciousness.

We were just starting out to formulate our own separate identities as individuals.

Before we could have the knowledge of selves, we were just like other animals —

Nameless.

The psychic structure of the primitive man was dominated by the unconscious.

The consciousness was just a tiny piece of an island in the middle of an endless ocean of unconsciousness.

Herein, the group identity was more important to humans than anything else, and our systems relied on myths and orally narrated stories.

The myths and symbols were developed unconsciously by observing the patterns of behaviors and actions by multiple individuals.

A meta version of the reality was produced in the form of a symbol which was then used as a cue to enhance consciousness in individuals.

And of course, the process was unconscious.

The symbols didn't move the foragers emotionally but helped them become what we understand as more rational and practical and less intuitive.

Taking actions after referring to the symbols helped them move forward, solve mystical questions and “grow.”

However, it is interesting what stage of consciousness we’ve reached where we now use symbols and myths to ask mystical questions instead of solving them.

It is not a rare experience for anyone to watch a phenomenal movie and then obsess over life, its existence, meaning, purpose, and sort.

This happens with modern people, symbols bring them closer to the unconscious.

We are too conscious to need some kind of symbol in the form of artistic expression to remind ourselves of the peaceful unconscious.

No wonder we listen to people talking about how content their lives would've been only if they didn't enter the damn cooperates.

What does that sentence even mean?

Consciousness is tiring, exhaustive, and only wants “growth.”

Consciousness has that ugly haste or greed of knowing everything which never ends.

At the same time there is also immense utility of consciousness that we cannot rule out.

The only reality is unconscious.

And consciousness is just an imagined reality to establish order.

Sure the existence without consciousness is animal-like but human is just an animal with consciousness after all.

Going back to the matter in hand, symbols move the modern man to its core, the unconscious.

Symbols and art help us get into the unknown realm of emotionality.

They appeal us to ask deep questions of life, leave us unsatisfied with crippling thoughts and offer solutions if interpreted properly.