Morality, Metaphors and Narratives

We are intuitive beings that think metaphorically. Narratives are filled with archetypical, cultural, and personal metaphors or figurative speech. Metaphors are a vital component of our language because they allow us to interpret our surroundings. Narratives give meanings to our lives. Not only are metaphors found in narratives but our brains metaphorically speaking crave for narratives because the metaphors found in the narratives directly attack and unlock our unconscious processes (Lakoff, 2008).

We like to think that we have total control of our anatomies. However, it is actually our unconscious processes that ultimately drive our everyday actions. Metaphors are not only effective in cracking the unconscious mind, but they also have the power to establish deep emotional connections with one another (Lakoff, 2008). I personally believe that morality comes from the institutive yearning to feel connected to something or someone. We are naturally driven to connect. Hence, it is possible that morality evolved as a way to establish the well-being of a person in order to avoid being frequently ill. That entailed getting along with those in the same surroundings, and in even other group associations. I believe it all comes down to the philosophy that says "treat others as you would like to be treated.”

Mirror neurons allow us to connect with others, and when combined with figurative language or metaphors, we are able to understand our place in the cosmos as well as the relationships that we have with other individuals. At this moment in time there is a critical need for the dissemination of positive and empathetic narratives because the collective morality of our society is being threatened due to power, greed, and money of those controlling our lives.

Reference

Lakoff, G. (2008). The political brain. Viking Penguin. Retrieved from

https://read.amazon.com/