Self-Stress: A New Perspective on Stress and Moral Disorders of Civilization

Abstract

This essay delves into self-stress arising from societal expectations and moral norms. It compares pre-agricultural life, focused on physical survival, with post-agricultural life, where stress is linked to productivity and social demands. Compulsory human labor is highlighted as a significant source of chronic stress, posing a direct threat by mandating individuals to "earn a living." The role of moral rules in today’s society is explored, potentially influencing the shift of stress from physical to internalized. The essay proposes critical reflection on the impact of the "civilizing moral we," where collective achievements are internalized, possibly contributing to contemporary chronic stress and impacting mental health and societal cohesion. Despite apparent civilizational evolution, the concept of private property remains invulnerable, akin to prehistory. Given this complexity, there is a need to consider reformulating current morality to better address genuine human needs.