14. Orality
‘Where no man has gone before’
We are discussing the foundation of our learned experience. Have you ever been able to go out some distance into or over the sea? It is beautiful, mysterious and awe inspiring. Do you think the deepest waters influence the whole?
Above is a lovely metaphor. A more apt metaphor as we discuss our mind systems may be found in computer programming. Initial data inputs enable subsequent data inputs and outputs. Outputs are not possible without initial inputs.
What are an infants first inputs? The answer is feedback via the sensory system. What outputs become evident during the first few months? Visual tracking, head turning and signs of oral interest and oral satisfaction.
The evidence of oral interest and oral satisfaction becomes increasingly apparent over the course of the first year. Freud commented upon indicators that the oral experience of infants was often, clearly pleasurable. He characterized our mouths in particular as zones capable of providing pleasurable experience therefore, as an erogenous zone.
He speculated about what he characterized as psychosexual development. He posited that the first stage in psychosexual development was the oral stage. His boldness generated tremendous controversy.
I smile as I write this. Smiling. When do we do it? When we’re amused? Yes. When we’re happy? Indeed. Can we force a smile? Yes. Do we often force a smile? No. Hmmn.
*New visitors note: posts can only be well understood moving through Home Cooked Psychoanalysis in a linear manner reading oldest post first. Begin