Concerning Character and Archetypal Behavior Patterns (Part 4)

8. The Archetypal Politician:
The Archetypal Politician, not always a professional politician or lawyer, is a mindset concerned with power and influence. However, as opposed to an opportunist, the Politician genuinely possesses convictions and principles. Indeed, the Archetypal Politician would be ineffective without internal justification. The Politician really believes in the system and the policies advocated and formulated. Wielding power is less important than its implementation. The Politician understands the herd mentality and understands it may only be pushed so far before bucking. The Politician understands the mechanisms of debate and therefore takes nothing personally or to heart. The resulting argument and rhetoric may be quite clever and serves as the building block for propaganda. Hence, the Archetypal Politician will often appear as shallow extroverts to those who are not familiar with the resultant mentality. The Archetypal Politician is the product of two centuries of political technique. Certain types are more masterful at its intrigues. It beats fanaticism...

9. The Survivor Archetype:
Although superficially similar to other archetypes, the Survivor Archetype has lived through tragic or traumatic circumstances and found strength in it. The will to self-preservation is strong in these types and may withstand adversities which would kill or emotionally cripple others. The Survivor Archetypes thrives on struggle, and often finds security as stagnant and stifling. Hence, the Survivor will often seek out risk rather than be contented with having hitherto survived. The Survivor Archetypes are both heros and victims. The Survivor is a product.

10. On Professional Archetypes:
Occupations and professions mold archetypal behavior patterns. Below are six brief observations.
i. The Archetypal Doctor is a modern manifestation of behavior patterns probably first exhibited by tribal shamans or medicine men. The Archetypal Doctor is an applied scientist who is looked upon as all-wise. The profession confers mystique (from directly saving lives). The result is an inflation of the ego. Hence, The Archetypal Doctor has the farthest to fall.
ii. The Teacher Archetype enjoys being looked up to as the repository and conveyor of knowledge. The ability to influence other minds can be rewarding. On the other hand, sub-categories exist depending upon the level taught. Elementary through Secondary School Teachers largely enjoy their authority. College professors prefer their status as experts. All enjoy seeing the lights are on. However, many Archetypal Teachers do suffer from some degree of myopia concerning the world. The map is not the territory.
iii. The Scientist Archetype is illustrated elsewhere.
iv. The Archetypal Engineer is a variation of the Scientific Archetype, but focused toward applications. Knowledge is not interesting unto itself. Engineers are masters of technique. Hence, the paperwork...
v. Archetypal Police and Criminals are difficult types to differentiate. Obvious contact vectors create cross infection. They stare with the same eyes and sometimes act no differently. Both look upon one another and think, "There, for the grace of Fate, go I..." However, their motivations are polar opposites. Cops have a mission. Yet all crave respect, believing it innate, even when not deserved. Intelligent police and criminals (those which do not get caught) are not this archetype.
vi. This discussion will avoid bill collectors.
vii. The Archetypal Computer Nerd is just too easy.

10. Of Criminals and Genius:
The intelligent criminal element respects genius since it spawns aberration. Genius exists in many forms. The uncertain is fearful and easy to exploit. Hence, organized criminal drug sales pay off for everyone, compared to unorganized turf wars, except possibly the victims. Profit may be had by both authority and their criminal adversary, and the neighbors are left alone. Capitalism has to exist somewhere. The police are happy as long as all is quiet. Some even control it. It beats un-organized crime. Nobody likes armed lunatics. Provided the residents are left alone, they come to expect it. The alternative is worse. Hence, the drug war continues. Hence, society is said to progress. Pure genius, if any one person defined it. Mass media influences and popular culture unifies through mediocrity. The lowest-common denominator ascends. Archetypes are spread through the resultant contact vectors. Only blandness remains. The personality solidifies with practice and technique. Pure genius, if anyone could conspire to make it happen. No wonder true genius is dead even as the populace grows sharper. The collective herd mentality submerges everything. What allows the passive reaction and effect? The morality of maximum advantage makes all things possible. Some paths are just unlikely. Mediocrity is causal. How could it be any other way? Luckily, understanding the underlying value system allows avenues of attack to be identified. Revolutions can be bloodless.

1996 - January 1, 2001