Some things equally apply to both nations and individuals. Simply, explaining psychological mechanisms by the example of the latter is easier than when we are talking about groups of people. What I will be writing now about the magical influence of the expression can be applied to both personal and national level.
You, for example, say, “How unhappy I am.” It actually means that I consider myself a victim of some circumstances or some people. I am filled with pity for my own person, and perhaps I am subconsciously waiting for external impulses that will once again prove that I really have reasons to feel pity for me. I as if am asking people whom I met, “please, offend me to feel more unhappy.” I will also seek people unhappy like me so that we together will mourn the injustice of life. This is a direct way to make life a hell. This is what the sigh means, “What unhappy I am.”
If you say, “I cannot do it,” you will not even try to do it or will try for not doing. Likewise, other sighs if you say, “I am shabby,” then it is so. If you say, “I am never lucky,” it significantly increases the likelihood that you are going to drag a “bad card.” And the more you repeat these allegations about yourself, the more their magical effect “strengthens.”
Suppose, we have decided not to “practice witchcraft” on ourselves. But others are trying to “practice witchcraft” on us exactly in the same way. This is done by our caring parents since childhood, you cannot do this, you do not sing well, you are not writing well, you аre sloppy, you are lazy. Then, our “ill-wishers” join them who already have special interest to pierce us with words. How should we avoid the negative “magic” of these words that make us getting into complexes? Very simple, not to accept anything on our account. A man curses, insults and says things unpleasant for you not because he is interested in him. No, he absolutely does not care about you. Simply, this man has some problems, some interests, some mental imbalance which he rushes to empty. It has nothing to do with your personality and business. Is it worth spending time and nerves on thinking, “Well, maybe he is right to say,”How should I answer him?” “How should I take revenge on him?” This man sees the world accordingly, and his words are not evidence of anything else.
What? Do I not know my weaknesses and strengths? Or, I am waiting for someone actually talking about his psychological “wounds” utters my name? Incidentally, it is not necessary for this person to be my “ill-wisher” or someone who envies me, simply every man has his own problems, and many people are formulating their judgments about these things as an accusation and scourge against someone. It is important for my self not to behave the same way.
And now, extend the same thoughts over all of us, the Armenians. I think everything is simple.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
