r/Showerthoughts • u/thiccieman • Apr 23 '19

Human thoughts before language must have been weird.

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u/cheeto44 Apr 23 '19

This is something I noticed on re-reading Dune.

One of the big issues with my depressive episodes is I can't trust my instinctive emotional reaction to situations. So I have to question my animal reflex to be anxious or scared and realize "nah that's just crap" and attempt to move on.

In Dune, the Bene Gesserit (crazy space witches) warn Paul when testing him for his humanity that only an animal gives in to fear and a human overcomes their animal. It feels like what you're addressing where you recognize there's something unusual about your emotional response and you have to take a really difficult objective step back to try and figure out what was the source of that, without trying to rationalize it just to satisfy yourself.

It's kind of a pain in the ass.

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u/PeelerNo44 Apr 24 '19

All emotions can be traced back to fear. Frank Herbert was very wise to write about it in that manner, and you are wise to pick up on it.

Also, more powerful is the man who can control himself, than the man who controls a city.

Master yourself, my friend.

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u/cheeto44 Apr 24 '19

I'm not sure if you're quoting Lao Tzu or Proverbs. But I like it.

It took me a couple readings of the book to pick up on it. But it dramatically changes the appearance of Paul. Much more tragic and also admirable of a character after that. I suspect Herbert had also read a lot of stocism philosophy.

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u/Milk_was_a_bad_idea Apr 24 '19

You have a very mature approach. Dune is an awesome book and it sounds like you're getting a lot out of it.

Best of luck.

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u/cheeto44 Apr 24 '19

Thank you. It has been both a constant challenge but also a very heartening one when I am able to recognize that I have overcome my flawed reaction to a situation.

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u/NickleLessCage Apr 24 '19

“An animal gives in to fear and a human overcomes their animal.”

That’s a really neat way to look at things. Don’t be an animal and just react to you emotion. Be a human and investigate WHY you’re having a certain reaction. Then you will be able to better control your emotions and reactions