DEFINE, OR BE DEFINED
Thomas Szasz's quote "In the animal kingdom, the rule is, eat or be eaten; in the human kingdom, define or be defined" emphasizes the importance of self-definition and personal agency in human society. Here's an analysis of what Szasz meant by "define or be defined":
Self-Definition vs. External Definition
Szasz draws a parallel between the survival instinct in the animal world and the need for self-definition in human society. Just as animals must eat to survive, humans must actively shape their own identities to maintain autonomy and individuality.
Active Self-Creation:Szasz believed that the self is not something to be discovered, but rather something to be created. He stated, "People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates". This emphasizes the active role individuals should take in shaping their identity.
Avoiding External Imposition: The alternative to self-definition, according to Szasz, is to be defined by others. This can lead to a loss of autonomy and personal agency. When we allow others to define us, we risk having our identity, values, and beliefs shaped by external forces rather than our own choices.
Implications of Szasz’s Perspective
Personal Responsibility: Szasz emphasizes individual responsibility for one’s identity and life choices.
Resistance to Societal Labels: This concept encourages resistance against being categorized or labeled by society, especially in ways that might be limiting or stigmatizing.
Mental Health Context: Given Szasz’s background in psychiatry, this idea also relates to his criticism of mental illness labels, which he saw as potentially limiting and externally imposed definitions.
Maintaining Integrity: Szasz highlighted the importance of self-respect in this process, stating, "The wise treat self-respect as non-negotiable, and will not trade it for health or wealth or anything else". This suggests that maintaining one’s integrity and self-defined identity is crucial, even in the face of external pressures.
By advocating for self-definition, Szasz encourages individuals to take an active role in shaping their identity, values, and place in the world, rather than passively accepting definitions imposed by others or society at large.
Sources:
Thomas Szasz - Wikiquote https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_Szasz
Thomas Szasz Versus the Mental Health Movement - Mad In America https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/09/thomas-szasz-versus/
Dr Thomas Szasz Quotes on His Book, The Myth of Mental Illness | CCHR https://cchr.org.au/thomas-szasz-quotes-on-his-book-the-myth-of-mental-illness
