In the complex tapestry of human emotions and behaviors, understanding the human need for control is an important task, because the desire for control weaves a prominent threat. From the mundane routines of daily life to the grand schemes of our dreams and aspirations, to the total control of authorities and government, the Quest for control influences our decisions and shapes our interactions with the world. But why do we crave control so fervently, and how does this craving intertwine with our experiences of fear, insecurity, and uncertainty?
At its core, the need for control stems from a fundamental human instinct for survival. From our earliest ancestors grappling with the unpredictability of the natural world to modern individuals navigating the complexities of society, exerting control provides a sense of security in an otherwise chaotic environment. When we feel in control, we believe we can influence outcomes, mitigate risks, and safeguard our well-being.
Understanding the Human need for control : Navigating Fear, Insecurity and Uncertainty
Fear
Fear serves as a potent catalyst for our pursuit of control. Whether it’s the fear of failure, rejection, or physical harm, our innate response is often to seek ways to regain a sense of control over our circumstances. This can manifest in various forms, from meticulously planning every detail of our lives to avoiding situations that provoke anxiety or uncertainty. By exerting control, we attempt to preemptively address potential threats and alleviate the discomfort brought about by fear.
Insecurity
Insecurity further fuels our desire for control, amplifying our vulnerability to external influences and internal doubts. Feelings of inadequacy or inferiority can prompt us to compensate by using control as a means of bolstering our sense of self-worth and competence. We may strive to assert authority over our surroundings, relationships, or achievements in an effort to validate our identity and alleviate that horrible feeling of insecurity that lurks beneath the surface.
Uncertainty
Life is inherently unpredictable, and no amount of planning or preparation can shield us from the myriad contingencies that lie beyond our grasp. The pursuit of absolute control becomes tantamount to becoming the main character in the movie “The Myth of Sisyphus” who with a lot of courage and perseverance rolls up that rock at the top of the mountain only to have the rock roll down to the bottom every time he reaches the top. In our relentless Quest for certainty, we inadvertently amplify our anxieties and magnify the very fears we seek to quell. In this process, we become blind to the beauty and richness of life’s uncertainties. Our need for control will no doubt hinder our ability to experience spontaneity, creativity, and growth.
Understanding the need for control especially when it becomes excessive
Excessive need for control can manifest in various aspects of life, often stemming from a deep-seated fear of uncertainty, failure, or loss. In interpersonal relationships, this need may result in micromanaging behaviors, where individuals feel compelled to oversee and control every aspect of the people living under their roof. Being a control freak is not a good look. Such behavior can strain relationships, erode trust, and breed resentment, as the incessant need for control communicates a lack of faith in the other person’s abilities and judgments.
In the professional realm, an excessive need for control may lead to an unpleasant work environment characterized by rigid hierarchies, bureaucratic red tape, and limited innovation. Employees may feel disempowered, demotivated, and fearful.
On a personal level, an overwhelming need for control can manifest as perfectionism, where individuals set impossibly high standards for themselves and others, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
This relentless pursuit of control is paradoxically self-defeating, as it robs individuals of the opportunity to learn from failures, adapt to change, and embrace the inherent unpredictability of life.
Furthermore, an excessive need for control can manifest in destructive coping mechanisms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, or substance abuse, as individuals seek to exert control over their emotions and surroundings in unhealthy ways.
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How governments exert control over their population through various mechanisms:
- Rules & Regulations
- Propaganda and censorship
- Economic Control
- Shadow banning and Algorithms.
Total Control: The convergence of Health Passport, CBDC, and Credit Scoring
- Health Passport System
- Central Banking Digital Currency (CBDC)
- Social Credit Scores
At the extreme end of the spectrum, the human need for control can lead us straight to a “Hunger Game Society”
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