If you are looking for a great documentary to watch this weekend, The Century of Self made a big impact on me. It is one of those documentaries that really makes you stop and think. You can watch it here:
It's an older BBC documentary, I know its graining and starts a bit slow, but give it a moment. It's fascinating.
The Century of the Self, is a profound exploration of how Freudian psychoanalysis has been used to shape societies throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The documentary reveals how the theories of Sigmund Freud and his nephew, Edward Bernays, have been instrumental in shaping modern consumerism, politics, and social relations.
The series begins by examining the work of Edward Bernays, a pioneer in the field of public relations. Bernays, influenced by his uncle's psychoanalytic theories, recognized the power of manipulating the unconscious mind to shape behavior. He applied these principles to advertising, politics, and social engineering, demonstrating how the subconscious desires of individuals could be harnessed to promote products, ideologies, and social norms.
One of the central themes explored in The Century of the Self is the commodification of the self. Bernays and other influential figures realized that by focusing on individual desires and anxieties, they could create a market for products and services that promised fulfillment and happiness. This shift from a needs-based to a desires-based economy led to the rise of consumerism and the creation of a culture centered around the pursuit of personal gratification.
The documentary also delves into the ways in which psychoanalytic ideas have been used to manipulate political discourse. By understanding the underlying fears and desires of the electorate, politicians have been able to craft messages that resonate on an emotional level, rather than appealing to reason and logic. This has led to a decline in substantive political debate and a rise in populist rhetoric that plays on people's anxieties and prejudices.
The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking. By understanding the techniques used to manipulate our thoughts and behaviors, we can become more aware consumers and citizens, and resist the forces that seek to control our lives.