Third Unconscious: The Psychosphere in the Viral Age

The Unconscious is a dynamic force that is shaped by political and economic conditions, evolving from Freud's portrayal of it as the dark side of Progress and Reason to Deleuze and Guattari's description as a laboratory. In the present era, it emerges in a new form, presenting challenges to political action, poetic imagination, and therapy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

The Unconscious, an enigmatic realm that transcends the confines of time and history, remains a subject of profound exploration. While it lacks a discernible past or present, it undergoes constant transformation in response to the ever-changing political and economic landscapes of society. In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud regarded the Unconscious as a shadowy aspect of the orderly framework of Progress and Reason, casting it as a dark force that threatened to undermine the rational order of things. However, at the turn of the past century, the visionary thinkers of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari envisioned the Unconscious as a dynamic laboratory, a ceaseless source of creative possibilities that continually pushed the boundaries of imagination.

In the present era, marked by the global impact of viral pandemics and the unraveling of capitalism, the Unconscious emerges in yet another guise. In his insightful book, Franco Bifo Berardi offers a vivid portrayal of the shape that the Unconscious will assume in the coming decades, as well as the formidable challenges it presents to our pursuits of political action, poetic imagination, and therapeutic endeavors.

The Unconscious, as Berardi elucidates, operates beyond the confines of linear time and chronological progression. It is a realm of primordial instincts, buried memories, and unarticulated desires that exerts a powerful influence on our conscious lives. Its emergence can be observed in various forms, ranging from the resurgence of ancient myths and symbols to the proliferation of digital technologies that reshape our perception of reality.

One of the most significant challenges posed by the Unconscious is its ability to subvert established systems of power and control. As Berardi notes, the Unconscious often operates at a subconscious level, bypassing the rational faculties of the mind and influencing our behavior in ways that are difficult to comprehend or resist. This can manifest in the form of irrational fears, compulsive behaviors, and a tendency towards conformity and obedience.

At the same time, the Unconscious also holds immense potential for creative and transformative power. It is a wellspring of imagination, intuition, and non-linear thinking that can inspire new ideas, challenge existing norms, and foster a sense of empathy and understanding. By tapping into the Unconscious, individuals can access a deeper level of self-awareness and explore the underlying motivations behind their actions and beliefs.

In the realm of political action, the Unconscious can serve as a catalyst for social change. By tapping into the collective unconscious of society, activists and organizers can mobilize people around shared values and aspirations, creating a groundswell of support for transformative initiatives. The Unconscious can also provide a source of resistance to oppressive systems of power, as individuals and communities refuse to conform to the dictates of those in authority.

In the field of poetic imagination, the Unconscious offers a rich source of inspiration and creativity. Poets and artists can tap into the Unconscious to access a realm of primal emotions and archetypal symbols that can evoke powerful responses and insights. By exploring the depths of the Unconscious, artists can create works that challenge the boundaries of conventional thinking and inspire a sense of wonder and awe.

Therapy, too, can be a powerful tool for working with the Unconscious. By encouraging individuals to explore their buried memories, suppressed emotions, and unarticulated desires, therapists can help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. The Unconscious can also be a source of healing and transformation, as individuals confront and release the traumas and fears that have been holding them back for years.

However, navigating the realm of the Unconscious is not without its challenges. As Berardi notes, it is a complex and often unpredictable terrain that requires a willingness to confront the unknown and a commitment to self-reflection and introspection. It is also important to approach the Unconscious with respect and sensitivity, recognizing that it is a deeply personal and subjective realm that should be approached with care and respect.

In conclusion, the Unconscious, a mysterious and enigmatic realm that transcends the boundaries of time and history, remains a subject of profound exploration and fascination. While it lacks a discernible past or present, it undergoes constant transformation in response to the ever-changing political and economic landscapes of society. In this book, Franco Bifo Berardi offers a vivid portrayal of the shape that the Unconscious will assume in the coming decades, as well as the formidable challenges it presents to our pursuits of political action, poetic imagination, and therapeutic endeavors. By embracing the power of the Unconscious, individuals and communities can unlock new possibilities for creativity, social change, and personal growth.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839762536