Psychological reasons for seeing "utopia" in medieval Europe
"Maybe I want to live here..."
Have you ever felt that way while watching a movie or game set in medieval Europe?
Of course, the real Middle Ages was by no means a utopia, and there were also diseases, wars, and discrimination.
Still, for some reason, we end up with a "utopia" in that world.
In this article, we will explore the psychological reasons behind this "illusion".
1|Why project ideals into the "past world"?
People tend to "fill in the gaps" with their imagination for the "world they don't know".
This is called "cognitive complementation" in psychology.
- Knowledge is vague → make up for it with imagination
- I can't see the bad parts of reality → I am glorified
In other words, the medieval world, with less information than today, is a canvas where it is easy to project one's "ideals".
2|A world with "order" is safe
In today's society, it is easy to have the stress of "not being able to decide" and "unstable" due to freedom and abundant choices.
On the other hand, the medieval world was
- Roles are fixed (farmers, knights, monks, etc.)
- Living in a village or community
- There is spiritual guidance from God or religion
These are psychologically considered "structured worlds" = "predictable and secure worlds".
3|The Complexity of "Nostalgia" and "Utopia"
The emotions that attract people to medieval Europe are not just historical romance, but are close to nostalgia.
On top of that it is
Not a memory of actually experiencing it.
"Memory-like ideals" that I think "I wish it was like this"
This sensation, also known as "nostalgic utopia", creates an illusion of a mixture of past and ideals.
4|Longing for "living with nature"
The psychology that idealizes the Middle Ages also includes the desire to return to nature.
- Rooms lit by fire
- Villages with watermills and wells
- Living surrounded by soil and grass
Our instinct is to feel at ease in a life that makes full use of all five senses, which is difficult to obtain in modern urban life.
Conclusion Utopia is not outside, but "inside"
The reason why we see utopia in medieval Europe is that
Because I feel "something that does not exist in modern times".
But it may not be just a historical fact, but a mirror that reflects our own "desires of the heart".
- Slow-flowing time
- Clear location
- Connecting with people
The desire for these things overlays the illusion of the Middle Ages with a "utopia".
That is the form of the "psychology of seeking peace of mind" within us.