Nothing in us needs to be condemned or amputated: peaceful co-existence of every inner voice is the first step, and synthesis the last
By Roberto Assagioli
July 17, 1972
From the Assagioli Archive in Florence
Original title: La Verità Centrale Della Psicosintesi
Translated from Italian by Gordon Symons
Editorial Note
The abstract and contextual subtitle in this online edition have been added by the editor, Kenneth Sørensen, to support readability, navigation, and archival consistency. The original wording has not been altered.
Abstract
In this essay, Roberto Assagioli presents peaceful co-existence as the central truth of psychosynthesis. Rather than combating or suppressing any subpersonality, he urges acceptance of every inner part as equal in value and different in quality. From this acceptance grows a sequence of alternation, alliance, and cooperation that leads to organic synthesis. Using the analogy of an orchestra, he casts the Self as the conductor who coordinates the diverse sections into a single performance.
The great central truth of Psychosynthesis: co-existence, the peaceful co-existence of diverse and different subpersonalities in each person, and in two people. Before a gradual organic synthesis, that is, before the synthesis itself, comes the acceptance of the differences. Conflict is not necessary. Each party has the right to exist; each part has its own specific function.
First of all, there is co-existence, then alliance, and finally synthesis. So: first, co-existence, then an alternation of expressions in accordance with internal impulses and external circumstances. Alternation leads to alliances, to cooperation. And from a progressive cooperation we arrive at an organic synthesis. The various stages are these. And this is possible, but only if you start from acceptance, an acceptance from the heart, and from appreciation of the differences. In short, what I’m trying to say is: there is no “either … or”, but only “and … and”.
I simply formulated what you said. Nothing new. The only problem is to put it into practice.
Almost everyone assumes a dualistic attitude of combativeness – individuals, groups and nations – and this is fundamentally stupid, from the point of view of wisdom, and destructive, from that of action. There is no need for all this. In the abstract, in principle, there is no right and wrong. There is only a balance and a synthesis of parts, of polarity. So, the fact of discussing the superiority of one pole over the other is stupid. And arguing about the superiority of one individual over another is essentially unreal.
Of course, there are conditions. Each pole is the same and different. Equal in value, different in quality. This principle has very broad applications. And the same thing goes for our internal polarities. For example, you say you have a sensitive subpersonality and a positive and active personality. Be grateful you have both. Accept them both, appreciate them both: this is the starting point. And then make the best use of them. But all this can only be done from a higher level, which is above all polarity: the Self.
And now, an analogy. Take on the orchestra. Each orchestral section has its part. And for a perfect performance, you also need the drum, or a simple instrument, just as much as the violin. So, every section needs to play its part. But there must be a conductor. In order for a symphony to be played, it must first have been written by the composer. Secondly, one could say that the universal Self is the great composer, the creator of the symphony, and that your Self, your higher Self, is in a certain sense a conductor. And then the subpersonalities are the various orchestral sections.
And the same happens in a group. Each member of the group is an individual part of it. But there must be a group purpose, a group plan, to which each contributes.
So, today I have given this fundamental guideline: I say this, because you can find many applications yourselves. You are already able to do it. Not perfectly yet, but now you have grasped a principle and have consented internally. And that’s a great thing. There is nothing to condemn or discard, or eliminate or amputate. No, there is only order in the chaos. To be coordinated. And there are huge applications, every hour of the day, and in one’s life. This is psychosynthesis. All the rest are applications and means, but the principle is this.
