ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to seek security in terms of maintaining inner and outer harmony. Inner turbulence may be triggered by intense emotions and efforts to manage them. Modern neuroscience gives a way to understand the emergence of affective up-wellings as the source of energy for the coming alive. Prior to the advent of individual thought, early man likely needed the protections of group mentality. Research suggests that modern-day humans still turn to group and tribal functioning to minimize disturbing emotions. The sense of belonging to a group seems basic to primary identity. Cognitive scientists observe that the strong emotions of an intense experience imprint positive or negative thoughts and beliefs held as unassailable truths. Powerful, destabilizing emotions can be heightened when the group leader has charismatic qualities, someone who has a personality compelling to members of the group. A dangerous situation may develop if the charismatic leader whips his/her group up into violence against the opposition.
