Psychology of the impossible

Psychology against terrorism If we do not accept the impossible as a reality, we fall into psychological problems. An example: It is impossible to create harmony in Syria by force. If we do not see that violence is meaningless we have to try it. We have to get bombs and weapons and start destructing. But if we realise that it is impossible to solve the nested conflicts in Syria by force, the involved might as well return to habit, start schools, work on the fields, open business and go to the coast on holiday. Without the cost for weapons and destruction, all can feel rich. It is like the weather. We can not change the weather, practically seen. We accept this and get umbrellas, clothes and houses which can stand the weather. It is self evident. But if we had the idea that we could change the weather at will, we would neglect building good houses. Optimism can thus hinder progress. For example, if we trust that the conflict between Israel and Palestine has a simple solution we soon will find, we are likely to see the conflict go on for ever without ever being solved. But if we define the problem as impossible to solve, we create firm ground for doing the best. In the short run the best is taking care of the children, and in the long run the best is to support the good relations created by taking care of the children instead of forcing people into refugee camps. If we define the conflict between Israel and Palestine as a psychological problem we can see what is needed for finding a solution. The population in Israel is a bit over 8 million, and the Palestinian population is about half that size. So we have some 13 million individuals. In order to find a common view about the future for Middle East every individual is likely to think approximately ten million thoughts. So we have brain work of the size 13 million times 10 million to do. Everyone who has tried to think just one thought (What to eat at lunch?) knows that millions of thoughts about a complex issue like the future of a geographic area is not accomplished quickly. It is impossible to do it fast. This means that the optimistic hope of finding a good solution soon is unfounded and harmful. This insight can lead to hopelessness and despair, if we are not used to deal with the impossible. So we need training in the impossible. We need universities specialising on the different aspects of the impossible. United Nations which is a global symbol of the impossible should start such universities in all continents and for all cultures and religions. To live with the impossible on the political and social level is not more strange than accepting the impossible of changing the weather. It is a ´matter of mindset.