Ecstasy and Archaea. An Analytical Psychological Study

This witty and substantive collection is dedicated to Archaea (Greek ἀρχή - beginning), Ecstasy (Greek ἔκστασις - standing outside), and their interaction in the human psyche, from ancient times to the present day. Self-overcoming, transcending oneself were inseparable parts of the ancient world - in religious, political, and cultural life; those who condemned ecstatic cults were called madmen and hypocrites. Now we try to pretend that we have outgrown this ancient stage of our history, ignoring the primal force of social ecstasy; and yet, with the right approach, reasonable, beautiful, and sublime things emerge from it. From the fury of the Erinyes was born the Athenian Areopagus; from the chaotic waters of Abzu rose the walls of the first Temple in Eridu, and from the madness of the Warring States emerged ideas that united China for thousands of years. How did the ancients achieve this? And why should we not follow their example?