The Achilles Heel of the Human Mind: A lesser-known instinct stronger than Hunger, Pain and Love
How we get sucked in by own desires:
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"People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around."
— Terry Pratchett.
Achilles was a hero in Greek mythology, known for his strength and bravery.
He was the son of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph. When Achilles was a baby, his mother wanted to make him immortal. She took him to the River Styx, whose waters were said to give absolute invincibility. She dipped Achilles into the river, but held him by his heel, leaving it untouched by the magical waters.
This small spot remained his only vulnerable point.
Achilles fought and won many wars, but his time was running out. In the end, his vulnerability was exploited. During a battle, Paris, another prince of Troy, shot an arrow that was guided by the god Apollo to strike Achilles in his unprotected heel.
The wound was fatal, leading to the great warrior’s death.
Achilles' story teaches us about the concept of a "fatal flaw" or "Achilles' heel"—a small weakness that can lead to one's downfall despite overall strength—Including our mind.
Now we all have been there.
“Just one more TV-show and I’ll be done!” Could not be further from the truth.
One show leads to another, then another, then another until you watch the clock and realized an entire day has past by you.
And ever wondered why you can’t stop binge-watching a TV series or why certain advertisements stick in your head?
This isn’t just because the shows are good or the ads are clever. There’s something deeper at play. It's our mind's Achilles Heel – the desperate need for mental engagement.
We will explore this topic in 4 Acts:
A tale of two scenarios
The need for engagement
Your attention manipulated
Real world impact
Act1: A Tale of Two Scenarios
Imagine 2 scenarios:
First, a man walks into a busy office selling insurance.
He believes in his product, has a competitive rate, and knows people need it. Yet, he struggles. People are polite but dismissive. No one buys.
Now, imagine a cult leader convincing a group of intelligent people to abandon their lives and follow him to a remote location, promising a better existence. In the end, they are willing to do the unthinkable for him.
What makes the difference?
It’s not just the message, but how the message captures the mind.
Act 2: The Need for Engagement
We humans are driven by our needs, as noted by psychologist Abraham Maslow.
But beyond food, shelter, and social connections, there’s another crucial need – mental engagement. We crave stories, excitement, and anything that captures our attention.
This need can be so overpowering that it can make us ignore other vital needs temporarily. Think about the last time you were so engrossed in a book or movie that you forgot to eat (I have been guilty of this as well).
That’s your mind’s need for engagement taking over.
Act 3: Your Attention Manipulated
The struggle between rational thought and the desire for engagement is constant.
Marketers, cult leaders, and even modern influencers know this. They craft messages not just to inform, but to captivate.
Consider the Heaven’s Gate cult in the 1990s…
Leader Marshall Applewhite convinced 38 followers to commit mass suicide, believing they would ascend to a higher existence. How? By capturing their minds with a compelling, albeit twisted, narrative that fulfilled their need for meaning and engagement.
In a more everyday example, think of how social media keeps us scrolling.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and even Substack *cough* use algorithms designed to keep us engaged. They show us what we like, stir emotions, and make us lose track of time. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a calculated use of our need for mental engagement. (Sorry Substack, I have to put my readers first)
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