Substitution in Relation to the Collective Unconscious - Carter Jobe

 In relation to reading Levinas's Substitution.

The idea of substitution in our code of ethics is that we feel responsible for other human's wellbeing even if it does not directly affect ourselves. It come's before our own freedom that we are needed to help another. If the human operated solely to survive upon natural instinct, then why would they waste their time, resources, and energy helping out someone else? 

This especially comes into play when it could actually put the individual in danger in some situations. Dr. Redick shared a story recently where a sniper was taking fire at him along a trek through the dessert. He made a break for it, and almost escaped the madman, but could not flee into the distance consciously without ensuring his hiking partner was able to as well. This effect in our minds is completely involuntary.

I believe this phenomenom is deeply intertwined within the collective unconscious. We are all born with the imprint that we must help eachother out when possible, as to do otherwise sparks emotions of guilt and regret. There are some who do not obey this law, but they do so as an act of rebellion aginst this feeling that which they cannot control. The empathic sensation of substituting ourselves for the other in our souls is unavoidable, and a key part of what unites us in the collective as inherently human.

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