The Aristotle complex or feeling better than others

The Aristotle complex is not a disorder defined as such in the field of psychology or psychiatry. Rather It is a set of traits that the culture popular has defined as complex in a colloquial way. It basically corresponds to those who believe they are always right.

The word complex comes from the Latin root complexus and refers to something that is composed of several elements. Similarly, in psychology the name complex is given to a condition in which several personality traits are present at the same time and that cause difficulties for an individual.

The main characteristic of the traits present in a complex is that they are unconscious. The person does not realize that he has them and if he notices, he gives a different interpretation. He thinks, for example, that it is normal to be that way, or that he has valid and objective reasons for being the way he is. Let’s see what Aristotle’s complex specifically consists of.

Aristotle a stubborn philosopher

Aristotle is, without a doubt, one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He lived between 384-322 BC, during classical Greece. His approaches and doctrine are so relevant that they still have great influence today. in philosophy and the human and biological sciences.

Aristotle was a student of Plato another of the great Greek philosophers, father of metaphysics. He followed his teacher wherever he went and was brilliant as an apprentice. Plato always held him in high regard, until things began to change.

As Aristotle developed his own doctrine philosophical and acquiring notoriety for it, he began to distance himself from his teacher. But not only that. He also began to deviate from his teachings, something that Plato did not frown upon.

Over time, he came to affirm that Plato’s approaches were unfounded. Many questioned this attitude of Aristotle. It seemed to them that it was an act of disloyalty and arrogance. It wasn’t that big of a deal, but the philosopher did remain with that fame.

Aristotle’s complex

Based on those episodes from ancient history, some began to talk about the Aristotle complex. They give that nickname to all those who believe they feel better than others and think they are always right.. They differentiate it from the superiority complex because the latter is more related to emotions and image, while the Aristotle complex is intellectual.

Those with the Aristotle complex are obsessed with outperforming others intellectually.. They engage in long disputes, with no other purpose than to prove that they are more intelligent, savvy and cultured than others. They always test their convictions by leading them to a controversy, hopefully of a public nature.

Of course, those who have the Aristotle complex always believe they are right, but in reality it is not the most important thing for them. What interests him most is to impose his point of view on others.. Make others see you as someone especially intelligent.

Complexes do not lead to anything good

In Aristotle’s complex there is a kind of adolescence that has not been overcome. It is at that age when it is decisive for a boy to test his ideas and, above all, confront or demonstrate the lack of validity of what, mainly, authority figures think. This process, which is sometimes very annoying for adults, is a way for young people to build and reaffirm their identity.

In the adolescent, as well as in those who have the Aristotle complex, What prevails deep down is a deep insecurity. The desire to be right at all costs and to impose your points of view on others is nothing more than a sign of doubt. They want to dominate other ways of seeing reality, because they fear them. They assume that they endanger their own perspective and that is why they find it intolerable.

The Aristotle complex is a problem of self-esteem, or if you want, narcissism. The value and importance of one’s own is overstated, only with the unconscious objective of balancing a feeling of worthlessness.. Like those animals that grow larger to appear more intimidating when they feel in danger. Whatever the case, this exaggerated narcissism only leads to great difficulties over time.

You might be interested…