Comments on: Matters of Conscience

By: Dr George Simon, PhD

Dr George Simon, PhD — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:14:41 +0000

Hi, Richard. Most teens have consciences that have not matured. Some have consciences that are already impaired. But few individuals have no consciences at all. The fact that you have even asked the question you have asked and that you are seeking a referral tells me that it is not likely that you are totally without conscience. It might be a good idea to seek a counselor and discuss your concerns, whatever they are.

By: Richard Mallett

Richard Mallett — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:12:23 +0000

Hi, my name is Richard Mallett, I’m 17 years old, and I believe what your’e saying is correct, even though I am a teen, I do know for a fact I have no conscience, now does that make me a kind of person that’s said in your post, I guess so. I’m just wondering if there is any real way I can find out for sure if I am truly without one?

If there is anything you can refer me to please do so.

By: Sarah Luczaj

Sarah Luczaj — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:34:32 +0000

that is four actually’s in one post. Don’t know what that’s about :-)

By: Sarah Luczaj

Sarah Luczaj — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:33:41 +0000

and if we are all neurotic – could we not just drop the label and call ourselves normal? ;-)

just kidding. I actually think that people can ’subjugate their baser instincts’not only because of guilt and shame playing a constructive role, and not out of ‘pure altruistic free choice’ but because it does, actually, often feel great to do the right thing. You can experience how we are all connected and hurting others is hurting yourself somewhere along the line. It’s not actually disinterested behaviour, it can actually feel good :-)

By: Dr George Simon, PhD

Dr George Simon, PhD — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:05:24 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Diane. I had to chuckle a bit myself. You see, I’m am also quite the neurotic! On a more pensive note, I think neurosis has taken a bad rap through the years. Freud used to say that civilization is the cause of neurosis. By that he meant that society’s “don’ts” and diapproving messages cause us to become troubled because of the conflict between them and our more natural, primitive, instincts, thus making us “neurotic.” But it’s my assertion that truly pathological levels of neurosis have all but disappeared in advanced industrialized societies. MOST neurosis these days is functional, enabling society to work. So contrary to Freud’s thinking, my axiom is that neurosis is the reason for civilization. I say that because it is most extremely rare that someone subjugates their baser instincts for the greater good not out of any pangs of conscience for doing otherwise, but rather for purely altruistic free choice. For most of us, it’s our conscience and our capacity for guilt and shame that keeps us in line. As for me, I’m proud to be a neurotic! (hmmmmmmm sounds like a Lee Greenwood song……….)

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:35:19 +0000

Hi George, That’s funny I thought I was a caring active person! Oh gosh I am a neurotic! Though lifting the world of my shoulders has helped alot….but sometimes I like it there? Go figure…