Have you ever stood on the edge of a high place or driven down a quiet road and felt a strange urge to do something risky, like jump or swerve? This unsettling feeling is known as the “call of the void,” or “la peur du vide” in French. It’s a curious phenomenon that makes us question our thoughts, desires, and how much control we really have over our actions. In this article, we’ll explore the psychological and philosophical aspects of this experience and what it reveals about human behavior.
The call of the void is the sudden urge to engage in self-destructive behavior, even when you have no real desire to do so. Surprisingly, this isn’t as rare as you might think. Research, like a 2011 study from Florida State University, shows that about one-third of people have experienced these intrusive thoughts.
These thoughts are part of a broader category called intrusive thoughts. The high place phenomenon is a specific type where you feel anxious about the possibility of jumping from a height, even if you don’t want to. This isn’t about a fear of falling; it’s more about realizing that our minds can generate thoughts that contradict what we consciously want.
One explanation for the call of the void is human curiosity. Just like kids might want to touch a hot stove despite knowing it’s dangerous, adults might think about extreme actions in safe settings. This curiosity lets us explore life’s boundaries without real risk. Watching horror movies or thrillers can serve a similar purpose, providing a safe way to engage with danger.
Dr. Jennifer L. Haymes and her team suggest that the call of the void might come from misinterpreting our survival instincts. When we’re in high places, our instinctual fear of falling might make us imagine the worst-case scenario, which can feel like an urge to jump. This shows the complex relationship between our conscious and unconscious minds.
Existentialist philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre have explored the call of the void in terms of human freedom and responsibility. Kierkegaard described anxiety as “the dizziness of freedom,” meaning that realizing we can choose can make us feel uneasy. Sartre said, “man is condemned to be free,” highlighting the responsibility that comes with our freedom to act.
Standing on the edge of a cliff symbolizes the struggle between life’s endless possibilities and the anxiety of making choices. The call of the void reminds us of our fragile existence and the tension between freedom and fear of our impulses.
On the other hand, the call of the void might show us that we don’t have as much control over our thoughts and actions as we think. In everyday life, we often feel in charge of our decisions. But in moments of extreme anxiety, we might realize that our impulses are influenced by a mix of circumstances, genetics, and unconscious processes. This can be both unsettling and enlightening, prompting us to think more deeply about free will.
The call of the void is a fascinating phenomenon that invites us to explore the depths of our psychology and the complexities of human existence. Whether viewed through a psychological or philosophical lens, it serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between our thoughts, desires, and the choices we make. Understanding this phenomenon can lead to greater self-awareness and a more profound appreciation for the human experience, encouraging us to navigate the delicate balance between curiosity, freedom, and responsibility.
Write a journal entry about a time when you experienced the call of the void. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings during that moment. Consider how this experience relates to the concepts of freedom and control discussed in the article. Share your insights with a peer and discuss any common themes or differences in your experiences.
Participate in a group discussion where you debate the existentialist perspective on the call of the void. Divide into two groups: one supporting Kierkegaard’s view of anxiety as “the dizziness of freedom” and the other supporting Sartre’s idea that “man is condemned to be free.” Use examples from the article to support your arguments.
Analyze a case study of an individual who has experienced intrusive thoughts related to the call of the void. Discuss the psychological and philosophical factors at play. How do these factors influence the individual’s perception of control and freedom? Present your findings to the class.
Create a piece of art or write a short story that captures the essence of the call of the void. Use imagery or narrative to explore the tension between curiosity, freedom, and responsibility. Share your work with classmates and explain how it relates to the themes discussed in the article.
Engage in a guided mindfulness meditation focused on observing thoughts without judgment. Reflect on how this practice can help manage intrusive thoughts like the call of the void. Discuss with classmates how mindfulness might alter your perception of control over your thoughts and actions.
Call of the Void – A sudden, inexplicable urge to engage in a dangerous or self-destructive behavior, often experienced when standing at a high place or near a precipice. – While studying existentialism, the concept of the call of the void can be seen as a metaphor for the human confrontation with the absurdity of life.
Intrusive Thoughts – Unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, or ideas that can be distressing or disturbing, often linked to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. – In psychology, understanding how to manage intrusive thoughts is crucial for developing effective cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.
Curiosity – A strong desire to learn or know something, often driving scientific inquiry and philosophical exploration. – Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, propelling philosophers to question the nature of existence and reality.
Human Condition – The characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence, including birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict, and mortality. – Philosophers have long debated the human condition, seeking to understand the complexities of life and the essence of being.
Survival Instincts – Innate behaviors and reactions that are geared towards ensuring the survival of an individual or species. – In evolutionary psychology, survival instincts are examined to understand how they influence human behavior and decision-making.
Existentialism – A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that humans define their own meaning in life. – Existentialism challenges individuals to confront the inherent meaninglessness of life and to create their own purpose.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint, often discussed in philosophical contexts regarding autonomy and free will. – The concept of freedom is central to existentialist thought, where it is seen as both a gift and a burden.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often explored in existential philosophy as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. – Existential anxiety arises from the realization of one’s freedom and the responsibility of making choices that define one’s essence.
Control – The power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events, often examined in psychology in relation to self-regulation and agency. – In psychological studies, the need for control is analyzed to understand its impact on mental health and interpersonal relationships.
Self-Awareness – The conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires, considered a crucial aspect of personal development and introspection. – Self-awareness is a key component in many philosophical and psychological theories, as it enables individuals to reflect on their actions and beliefs.
