The Continuing Search for Meaning

Benjamin Rush, an early psychiatric reformer and innovator, was characterized by contradictions in thinking and behavior that point to a dualistic form of thinking. Using Rush as a prototype, the author defines unitary thinking, which considers that both parts and whole are constantly changing but are regulated by a general organization. The American process leading from dissociated, dualistic thinking toward unitary concepts is in a temporary phase of violence. The author suggests that psychiatrists and social scientists should appropriately lead the way toward unified thinking, out of which our search for meaning may be furthered.