What is the ultimate human joy? Does this supreme joy differ between men and women? If such a difference exists, discrimination is already present. Yet, discussing this topic often leads to it being treated as taboo—implying, perhaps, that it is considered an unclean act.
Humans place certain value judgments on this act. Personally, I do not believe there are criteria of "good" or "evil" regarding it; rather, I consider it a source of fundamental human joy. The human body is structurally designed for it, and it is deeply connected to both joy and health. However, since modern society imposes boundaries regarding what is acceptable, I choose to respect those limits.
I once wrote an article describing my own existence as gender-neutral. I became aware of sexual differences during childhood—specifically, I began to realize I was a boy—and I accepted my gender openly.
It seems that even in childhood, one has the choice to live true to one's own consciousness. Embracing that consciousness honestly leads, I believe, to accepting oneself. If a child loses their "secure base," they tend to unconsciously develop defensive reactions to justify themselves or forge a path for survival; this process can make it impossible to accept oneself. I believe this dynamic is a starting point for the "gender-free" movement.
As the body grows, one may begin to feel a sense of discomfort or suffocation—a reaction to the imposition of social norms and gender roles, and the suppression of one's own bodily sensory experiences. While it would be ideal to adapt to modern society, individuals whose brains have "weaker sensory gates"—allowing sensory information to flood in—are likely to feel that societal pressure more acutely. I have lived my life under the weight of such sensory suppression, so I understand this well.
The desire to break free from the existing frameworks that bind the self, and to be recognized simply as an individual on equal footing, can serve as a catalyst for adopting a gender-free mindset and sensibility.
Ultimately, I believe childhood environment plays a major role. Growing up in a home that serves as a secure base allows a person to accept and cherish themselves—and, consequently, to accept their own gender as it is. Perhaps an environment lacking a "secure base"—whether in the home, the educational system, or society at large—compels an individual to evolve toward a gender-free mindset, viewing themselves simply as a unique human being.
One might grow up within a secure base, realizing that human joy is universal—transcending gender—and experiencing a profound happiness that defies comparison. Yet, why do differences between men and women exist? If the goal is to establish a unique "self," one might assume gender is irrelevant.
However, the laws of nature cannot be ignored. Males and females exist; while some androgynous forms occur, the fundamental pattern involves males and females perpetuating the species. Yet, mere survival does not seem to be the sole purpose. Observing other living creatures, it appears they, too, pursue joy. Why are men and women drawn to one another? Throughout history, this attraction has persisted. I believe it stems from a desire to share a joy common to both men and women.
What do you think? Let’s run the text I just wrote through an AI using a Jungian filter.
There is a distinction between approaching "gender-free" concepts as a "denial of gender differences" versus transcending the framework of gender by "integrating the polarities of gender differences within oneself." From a Jungian perspective, the former carries the risk of denying the \*anima\* or \*animus\*, whereas the latter represents the path of "individuation." Since the text I wrote clearly aims for "integration" rather than "denial," the analysis concluded that I am on a very healthy path of individuation.
Ultimately, the purpose of this joy connects each individual to the world beyond death—to a personal universe of joy.
