Previous
Conformity. Good or Bad? – Parshat Mishpatim
Isn’t conformism another way of saying that majority rules? Is it then really that bad? Our democratic institutions are based on that ideal. But is it always true? How about individualism?
Conformism, says Doctor Viktor Frankl,is often an outgrowth of what he calls Existential Vacuum.1 Is that a new concept in physics or an electrical appliance? Obviously not. Let me explain.
Life can be so much fun when there is meaning. Conversely, we can find meaning even when there is struggle yet life is pretty rotten when there is no meaning or fun.
What I would like to address, however, is when it can be fun if there is no meaning. If there is constantly a feeling of fun or success yet without having any sense of purpose or growth, this often leads to that existential vacuum.
How people deal with that EV is different. Some will sense it and then get back on track to finding meaning and being their authentic self. Others will slip into despair. Yet others will simply choose to conform and hope that meaning will show somehow.
The Chatam Sopher notes this question in this week's parsha. The Torah says in essence that we should follow majority opinion.2 The Chatam Sopher tells of the time that he was approached by authorities of a different religion noting this verse and saying that perhaps the Jews should all convert due to the small number of practicing Jews as opposed to the large number of others who are idol worshippers. He answers that this would work if there were arguments to suggest that it would be proper to do so. But lacking any such argument and together with the belief in the veracity and integrity of the Torah and our shared experience of revelation at Sinai, there is no obligation to follow the majority. On the contrary, be true to your own belief. He continues to prove this from the exact wording of the verse which says to veer towards the majority. Only when it is not clear, do we accept the majority.
We can only rely on the majority if there is doubt how to proceed. That would be a case where conformity actually works. We don’t need to like it but it is the way we chose, as in the electoral process. Yet this only works where there is doubt as to which path to take.
"For only in freedom, is man “authentic.” The more standardized a machine is, the better it is; but the more standardized a person is, the more submerged he is in his race, class, or characterological type, the more he conforms to a standard average—the more inferior is he from the ethical standpoint." Frankl
It is not always easy to stand up to others who believe otherwise. How strongly do you believe in your path? Is it truly "you"? Do you feel authentic when presenting this stand?
This is not instead of personal responsibility. That remains. And when a person believes in his own path and it is clear to him that he must follow that path, he must not conform. He must stay true to his authentic self.
The challenge remains to be true to our authentic selves. It will also help us sleep better at night.
*Image by Colin Behrens on Pixabay
Notes
- Frankl, Viktor E.. The Doctor and the Soul (p. 73). Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
- Shemot 23:2
Have A Great Shabbat!
For More Information On Logotherapy And How You Can Create A Fuller, More Meaningful Life, Or To Book An Online Session,
- Call Me At +972-54-589-3399, or in Israel 054-5893399
- Contact Me Thru My Site