The human instincts that tend to unite and preserve (Eros) contrast with those that tend to destroy and kill, the death drive that becomes destructive when directed outward. The mixture of these destructive impulses with other erotic and ideal ones has long prevented their recognition. The European Union (the Europeans) finds themselves between these two forces, and Brexit is proof of how disintegrative forces can prevail and manifest themselves in the form of an Exodus.
The main reason for this crisis, due to the overwhelming of disintegrating forces, is the difficulty in coming to terms with the history of one's own past and nations. Necessary to acquire European awareness is first and foremost being aware of oneself, one's aggregating forces, and destructive forces. In fact, one can equate the concept of a nation with the realization of the self as an individual. Carl Gustav Jung defines the self as the central point of personality, the purpose of life, a goal for which man constantly struggles but rarely succeeds in achieving.
Similarly, human and social development according to the constitutional principles of the nation leads to an increase in one's own knowledge and awareness. The progress of individuals, nations, and Europe had been diverted, and colonialism, the two world wars, Nazism, fascism, and terrorist attacks have been proof of this; the Enlightenment illusion, the mobilization of the masses, the influence of the homo economicus, whose sole purpose is individual profit, and the consequent unattainable aspiration for mass happiness turning into a craving for enrichment and will to power would lead to the renunciation of freedom in the name of happiness.
These historical events have led to the development of nationalist populisms and the closure between different nations, and likewise to a regression in self-awareness. Nevertheless, many individuals have developed "patriotic" ideals and values such as equality, solidarity, and justice. Even if some Europeans are still searching for their individual selves, what is asked of Europeans is something beyond self-awareness; it is the awareness of a collective self, the awareness of "us."
This cannot happen without union and dialogue with the other, with the different. Because of its nature, the European Union cannot be closed in on itself but must be open to the world. Indeed, dialogue with the rest of the world must be a basic condition for the development of Europe itself. Concrete and spiritual union must prevail over destruction, without the latter being annulled, so that man can self-realize.
Europe, to avoid the craving tensions regarding an unattainable happiness due to a distorted economic system that has led to various speculative bubbles, has the potential to implement sustainable development for all forms of life, the environment, and the economy. The European Union has an essential role in defining a new economy where man is at the center.
Mankind must be that unitary value to all countries on which to found Europe. We must be brave and push beyond the threshold of our own borders to discover the collective self. This is the Europe we want, and it depends on us.
