How to tame the political animal:: The missing piece

The underlying behaviour patterns that make us politically self-centred and less human are the key to understanding narcissistic behaviour, wild opinion on social media, and polarised debates. This book provides us with the means to master these patterns and tame the political animal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 20 August 2021
Publisher: Human Givens Publishing Ltd

The Narcissistic Behaviour of Political Leaders, Wild Opinion on Social Media, and Polarised Debates: Exploring the Roots of Political Self-Centredness

Political leaders often display narcissistic behaviour, which can be seen in their self-promotion, attention-seeking, and disregard for the needs of others. This behaviour is often exacerbated by the power and influence they hold, leading to a lack of accountability and a disregard for the democratic process.

Wild opinion on social media platforms has also contributed to the polarisation of debates. With the rise of social media, individuals can express their opinions and beliefs to a wide audience, often without being held accountable for their words. This has led to the formation of echo chambers, where people are exposed to only those opinions that align with their own, further polarising the political landscape.

The underlying behaviour patterns that make us politically self-centred and less human are complex and multifaceted. This book aims to explore these patterns and provide insights into how we can tame the political animal.

From the holy sites in Jerusalem to popular revolutions in the Arab world, this book builds on John Bell's extensive experience as a diplomat and mediator in the Middle East to show how we ignore this key dimension of our politics at our peril. By breaking down the ingredients of what constitutes our political ego and how they work, this book provides us with the means to master it.

One of the key ingredients of our political ego is our sense of identity. We tend to view ourselves as part of a group or a community, and our political beliefs and values are often shaped by this sense of identity. However, our political ego can become inflated when we believe that our group or community is superior to others, leading to a lack of empathy and understanding for those who differ from us.

Another ingredient of our political ego is our need for validation. We often seek validation from others, particularly those in positions of power or authority, to confirm our own beliefs and values. This can lead to a willingness to compromise our principles in order to gain approval or to avoid criticism.

Our political ego can also be influenced by our emotions. When we are feeling insecure or threatened, we may become more defensive and aggressive in our political behaviour, leading to a lack of compromise and a willingness to engage in conflict.

To tame the political animal, we need to become more self-aware and develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others. This can be achieved through education, dialogue, and exposure to different perspectives and ideas.

Education is crucial in developing a more informed and engaged citizenry. Schools and universities should provide students with the tools they need to critically evaluate information and develop their own opinions. This can include teaching students about the political process, the history of different political ideologies, and the importance of civil discourse and compromise.

Dialogue is also essential in promoting understanding and empathy. We need to create spaces where individuals from different political backgrounds can come together to discuss their differences and find common ground. This can include public forums, community events, and social media platforms that encourage open and respectful dialogue.

Exposure to different perspectives and ideas is also important in developing a more nuanced and complex understanding of political issues. We need to be willing to listen to and engage with individuals who hold different political beliefs and values than our own. This can include reading books, articles, and opinion pieces from a range of sources, as well as attending public lectures and debates.

In conclusion, the narcissistic behaviour of political leaders, wild opinion on social media, and polarised debates are symptoms of a deeper problem: our political self-centredness. By exploring the underlying behaviour patterns that make us politically self-centred and less human, this book provides us with the means to tame the political animal and create a more inclusive and democratic political landscape. Through education, dialogue, and exposure to different perspectives and ideas, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781899398997