At a point in history where there is great turmoil and danger it is important to define the factors that lead to evil. Evan Longin from a postmodern philosophical standpoint, has helped us understand those factors which bring evil into our lives. Evil is not an entity, nor does it reside within the internal functioning of an individual. Rather, it is a perspective created by the powers in authority to maintain control. This perspective has been used for centuries to control and oppress populations that are deemed inferior.
"The Roots of Evil" basic proposition is that evil happens when four factors converge:
1. Binary thinking (i.e., “us versus them”)
2. Control of information
3. Simplistic solutions to complex situations
4. Power over behavior
The book further proposes that humankind's two basic genetic predispositions—love and curiosity— is the antidote to evil, but at the same time often threaten authority.
This book is meant to clarify how evil becomes present in our community so easily. Furthermore, it is meant to demonstrate how fragile our democracy is.
Endorsements
Dr. Longin has written an important and provocative book on evil: its definition, extent, causes, and consequences. Using numerous examples from history and the present, he emphasizes four conditions necessary for its existence and, thankfully, what behaviors are able to lessen its destructiveness - Richard Bourne Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, Northeastern University, Former Associate General Counsel, Children’s Hospital Boston
But he contends that such evil is not inevitable. Human nature offers the seeds of healing that we can consciously cultivate if we recognize the power of our innate curiosity and our capacity for love - Andrew Menard, Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, Johns Hopkins Radiology
The Roots of Evil is a must-read for anybody that wants to understand the many challenges facing our world today and how we arrived at such polarities in our society. This book asks us to question our beliefs regarding the concept of evil and the institutions that may be inadvertently contributing to so many of the conflicts societies are currently facing - Deborah Nathan LMHC ATR, Adjunct Faculty Lesley University, Founder of Artsbridge Institute
What is Evil and how do we overcome it? Evan Longin examines its roots, as well as our individual and tribal perceptions of evil. Through the lens of his considerable experience as a psychotherapist, Longin cites several factors, including abuse of power and binary thinking, which provide fuel for incendiary acts on and against each other. A clarion call to a long-overdue national conversation - Liz Solar, Host of the Embark podcast, Voice Actor, Storyteller at Acts of Revision
About The Author
Evan Longin has a long history of confronting the unintended consequences of civilization. From his earliest days in the fields of Psychology and Education, he has worked with institutions and individuals struggling with society's difficulties.
As a doctoral student at Boston University, he was a Fellow with the Division of Legal Medicine, helping incarcerated youth. As a postdoctoral extern at the Nathan Ackerman Family Institute, in the early days of family therapy, he became aware of the limitations of Psychotherapy Theory.
Longin taught for over twenty-five years at Salem State University, where he was a Professor of Graduate Counselling. He has practiced Clinical Psychology for over forty years. He has also worked as a Consultant to school systems in the Salem, Massachusetts area; cofounded the Salem Center, a training center for postmodern practices in therapy; and was a Principal at Artsbridge, an organization dedicated to bringing Islamic and Jewish children together in Palestine and Israel.
Evan has three children and five grandsons and recently his first granddaughter .They, of course, taught him the most about curiosity and love.
The Roots of Evil: A Postmodern Exploration of the Unintended Consequences of Civilization is seff-published by author Evan Longin.
Dated: November 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1088077962
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Roots-Evil-Exploration-Consequences-Civilization/dp/108807796X/
Media Contact
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Contact Person: Evan Longin
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Website: https://www.amazon.com/Roots-Evil-Exploration-Consequences-Civilization/dp/108807796X/
