“The civilizing process is a change in human conduct and sentiment, an advance in the threshold of shame and repugnance.”
What this quote means
Elias describes civilization as an evolutionary process of controlling emotions and impulses, where shame and repugnance become internalized thresholds. This idea illuminates how social norms shape our psyche, making us sensitive to behaviors deemed crude or violent. It invites us to realize that our reactions of disgust or embarrassment are largely constructed by society, not purely natural. Understanding this can make us more tolerant of cultural differences and more aware of our own conditioning.
How to apply it daily
Notice a reaction of shame or disgust in yourself today. Ask where it comes from: is it natural or learned? Write your reflections in a journal.
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