Writer Between Worlds

“People need their group identification, because this identification protects them, literally, from the terrible forces of the unknown. It is for this reason that every individual who is not decadent will strive to protect his territory, actual and psychological. But the tendency to protect means hatred of the other, and the inevitability of war – and we are now too technologically powerful to engage in war. To allow victory to the other, however – or even continued existence, on his terms – means subjugation, dissolution of protective structure, and exposure to that which is most feared. For me, this meant “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”: belief systems regulate affect, but conflict between belief systems is inevitable.”

Peterson, J. (1999) – Maps of Meaning, p. 460