identification by a narrative

identification by a narrative is the phenomenon where a subject feels so identified by a narrative that ends up embodying the narrative itself and can’t recognize or see itself without it.

identification by a narrative happens when a narrative, by reducing the complexity of reality, becomes the guiding set of principles that enable the subject to meet fundamental needs with much more ease.

abstraction blindness transforms the narrative into a believe making the subject see the narrative as truth and generating attachment towards it.

A subject with identification by a narrative is highly effected by events outside of its experiential reality (the narrative), with an impact on its emotions and reasoning.

When a subject has an identification by a narrative it will usually feel attacked when the narrative itself is questioned or attacked.

E: veganism or religion as a narratives may serves as guidance to meet many needs: need for belonging, need for coherence, need for integrity, need for meaning, need for compassion, community, contribution, equality, order, inclusion, respect, celebration, food (in the case of veganism)… Because they may help to meet so many needs for a given subject, is very easy that the subject experience identification by a narratives, making the subject vulnerable to any attack towards the narrative itself.

When identification by a narratives is shared among a collective or culture, it becomes an extremely powerful force of human coordination and manipulation. It allows to steward the behavior of the collective by controlling the narrative.

E: nationalities, political parties, sport teams, social movements…

narratives are fundamental as guiding principles and necessary for human coordination, but a identification by a narrative only brings suffering to the subject. Using the narrative as tool instead, enables the subject to benefit from the guiding principles of a narrative without suffering when the narrative is attacked.