Boris Cyrulnik, a neuropsychiatrist known for popularizing the concept of resilience, describes here the psychological and brain processes, but also the family and societal dynamics, which from a very young age can lead us to blindly adhere to certain behaviors or ways of thinking, without questioning their validity or fairness.
The book leads us into a reflection on freedom of thought versus submission. Those who submit, even unconsciously, are in fact, as the author explains, clinging to the sense of security offered by the opinion of the group to which they belong. They are the “wind eaters”, who join fixed ideas, thus avoiding the risk of daring to look at themselves in order to think for themselves.
The ploughmen work at reflecting, analyzing, and also observing their own life path, so that they can think for themselves. This path is certainly much more difficult than that of the “wind eaters”, because it can lead to becoming isolated from the group to which one belongs. It is the price to pay to protect one’s inner freedom of personal choice.
A precious book that offers a deep reflection on the importance of preserving one’s free will.