Publisher's Synopsis
Myth and Guilt: The Crime and Punishment of Mankind is a non-fiction book written by Theodore Reik. The book explores the concept of guilt and how it has been used throughout history to punish and control individuals and societies. Reik argues that guilt is a universal human emotion that has been exploited by religious and political leaders to maintain power and authority.The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the origins of guilt and how it has been used in various cultures throughout history. Reik explores the role of guilt in ancient Greek and Roman societies, as well as in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.The second part of the book focuses on the psychological aspects of guilt. Reik argues that guilt is a necessary emotion that helps individuals to maintain social norms and moral standards. However, he also explores how guilt can become pathological and lead to neurosis and other mental health issues.The final part of the book examines the ways in which guilt has been used to control and punish individuals and societies. Reik explores the role of guilt in the legal system, as well as in political and social movements such as fascism and communism.Overall, Myth and Guilt: The Crime and Punishment of Mankind provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of guilt and its impact on human societies. The book is well-researched and thought-provoking, and is recommended for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, or history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
