The Continuing Search for Meaning
ROY K. GRINKER SR. M.D.1
1 Director, Institute for Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Research and Training, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, 2959 South Ellis Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60616
Benjamin Rush, an early psychiatric reformer and innovator, was characterized by contradictions in thinking and behavior that point to a dualistic form of thinking. Using Rush as a prototype, the author defines unitary thinking, which considers that both parts and whole are constantly changing but are regulated by a general organization. The American process leading from dissociated, dualistic thinking toward unitary concepts is in a temporary phase of violence. The author suggests that psychiatrists and social scientists should appropriately lead the way toward unified thinking, out of which our search for meaning may be furthered.
