Max Littman, LCSW
October 26, 2024
In the fields of psychotherapy and historical analysis, the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) concepts with Yuval Noah Harari’s ideas provides a powerful framework for understanding human behavior, culture, evolution, healing, and our inner lives. This article explores the overlaps between the IFS concepts of legacy and cultural burdens and Harari’s discussions in his acclaimed works Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI.
Through reading Harari’s works, providing therapy to those impacted by cultural and legacy burdens, engaging in my own IFS therapy to address these issues, and learning from IFS trainer Kay Gardner’s work, both in writing and at her retreat, I’ve developed a deep passion for understanding historical trauma and supporting people in healing from it.
My hope in writing and sharing this is to inspire others to recognize and address our legacy and cultural burdens, helping to foster a more conscious, wise, and compassionate society.
Please note that Harari conducted extensive research for his books and cited numerous sources to support his assertions. For a deeper exploration of the source material behind Harari’s ideas discussed here, I recommend reading the three books mentioned in this article along with their citation sections.
Understanding IFS Concepts of Legacy and Cultural Burdens
IFS posits that the mind is naturally multiple—a concept known as the “multiplicity of mind.” This perspective suggests that individuals have an internal system of parts, each with its own distinct roles and functions. IFS also assumes that we all possess a Self that transcends these parts and embodies boundless compassion. Two important concepts within IFS are legacy burdens and cultural burdens.
Legacy Burdens are emotional or behavioral patterns passed down through generations. These burdens are often the result of unresolved traumas, beliefs, or experiences from ancestors, manifesting in individual people in ways that may seem inexplicable or disproportionate to their personal experiences. These manifestations can include physiological symptoms such as chronic pain, tension, or fatigue; psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts; and behavioral symptoms such as patterns of self-sabotage, addictions, hypervigilance, or difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Cultural Burdens are the societal, cultural, and communal expectations and norms that people internalize on both individual and collective levels. These burdens stem from the collective beliefs and values of the communities to which people belong, influencing behaviors, attitudes, and self-perceptions. Examples of cultural burdens include internalized racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism, which can manifest as feelings of shame, inferiority, or guilt. Additionally, cultural burdens might involve rigid gender roles, societal pressure to conform to certain career paths or lifestyles, or the suppression of emotions in cultures that value stoicism or self-sacrifice. These burdens can deeply affect a person’s sense of identity, emotional well-being, and capacity for self-expression.
These burdens are deeply ingrained in us because they have helped us survive, understand, and navigate the worlds we inhabit.
Harari on Multiplicity of the Mind
In Homo Deus, Harari discusses the idea that the human mind isn’t a single, unified entity but rather a complex system made up of multiple voices or modules, each with its own interests and motivations. Harari draws from evolutionary psychology and neuroscience to support the view that our minds evolved with various “agents” or “voices” that sometimes compete with each other. This idea of mental multiplicity challenges widespread, popular notions of a singular, coherent self by presenting the mind as a coalition of competing processes.
Harari asserts that while we often perceive ourselves as a single, unified “self,” in reality, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are often influenced by numerous mental processes that operate semi-independently. For example, he describes how different parts of the brain evolved to handle distinct functions—like survival instincts, social behavior, and decision-making—which can sometimes conflict with each other. Harari suggests that this multiplicity helps explain why people can feel torn between different desires or beliefs, and why they may behave inconsistently.
In essence, Harari’s concept aligns with psychological theories that see the mind as composed of multiple subsystems or “modules,” each with distinct goals, which parallels ideas in IFS and other parts-based approaches. While Harari doesn’t delve deeply into therapeutic applications, his ideas reinforce the view that understanding and integrating these competing aspects of ourselves can offer a deeper understanding of human behavior and the nature of consciousness.
Harari’s Perspectives on Humans and Culture in Sapiens and Homo Deus
Harari, in Sapiens and Homo Deus, examines the grand narratives of human history and the potential trajectories for our future. Harari’s work delves into the development of human societies, the evolution of cultures, and the future of human species as influenced by technology and scientific advancements.
In Sapiens, Harari outlines how myths, shared beliefs, and collective fictions have shaped human societies. He argues that these shared narratives have allowed for large-scale cooperation and societal development, but they also come with their own set of constraints and expectations.
In Homo Deus, Harari explores the future of humanity, contemplating the implications of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and the quest for immortality. He suggests that as we progress, new cultural expectations, constraints, and dangers will emerge, shaped by the technological and ethical challenges we face.
The Agricultural Revolution: The Roots of Legacy and Cultural Burdens
In his seminal work Sapiens, Harari explores the profound transformations brought about by the Agricultural Revolution and how these shifts have fundamentally shaped human society. According to Harari, the domestication of wheat was a pivotal moment in human history, setting the stage for the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent evolution of modern society.
From Wheat to Industry
The Agricultural Revolution, which began around 10,000 years ago, marked humanity’s transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. This shift was not just about the cultivation of crops but also about the deep-seated changes it brought to human organization, economics, and culture.
- Settlement and Social Structures
Harari’s Theory: As humans began to cultivate wheat and other crops, they settled in one place, leading to the formation of villages, towns, and eventually cities. This settled lifestyle required new social structures, including organized labor, property rights, and complex hierarchies.
Cultural Burden: The move from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle brought with it a host of new cultural burdens that may not have developed immediately. Societies had to increasingly adapt to the demands of agricultural productivity over centuries, which often led to rigid social hierarchies and the oppression of certain groups. The value placed on land ownership and productivity created societal pressures that can still be felt today such as the persistence of wealth inequality, gendered expectations around labor and property, and entrenched class distinctions based on economic status.
- Economic Dependency
Harari’s Theory: The cultivation of wheat created a surplus of food, which allowed populations to grow and freed some individuals to pursue activities other than farming, such as craftsmanship, trade, and governance. This economic diversification laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution.
Cultural Burden: With the Industrial Revolution came a dependency on mechanized farming and later, the food industry. This created a cultural legacy of dependency on mass-produced food and a disconnection from the land and traditional food practices. The emphasis on efficiency and productivity over sustainability and quality has led to various societal and environmental issues, including the loss of biodiversity, depletion of soil nutrients, the rise of health problems linked to processed foods, the exploitation of labor in agricultural and food production industries, and life altering and unsustainable climate change.
- Food Industry and Collective Survival
Harari’s Theory: The development of the food industry has transformed how societies function, creating a global network of food production and distribution that sustains billions. However, this has also made societies vulnerable to disruptions in these complex systems.
Cultural Burden: The modern food industry has introduced a cultural burden of dependency on large-scale agricultural and industrial food production. This dependency can lead to feelings of powerlessness and disconnection from the sources of our food, contributing to anxiety and stress about food security and health.
IFS Perspective on Agricultural and Industrial Revolution Based Legacy Burdens
From an IFS perspective, the burdens stemming from the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions are legacy burdens that impact individuals and society collectively. These burdens include:
- Social Hierarchies and Oppression
– Many people may carry legacy burdens related to ancestral experiences of oppression, social hierarchy, and the inequities that emerged from early agricultural societies. These burdens can manifest as internalized beliefs about self-worth, power dynamics, and societal roles.
- Economic Pressures and Identity
– The shift to a productivity-based economy has instilled a legacy burden of equating self-worth with productivity and economic success. People may feel pressure to conform to societal standards of success, leading to stress, anxiety, and a loss of connection to their authentic selves. This also notably intersects more complexly with religion and other ideological standpoints such as individualism.
- Disconnection from Nature
– The transition from direct interaction with nature to reliance on the food industry has created a legacy burden of disconnection from natural rhythms and a sustainable lifestyle. People may feel a sense of loss or emptiness stemming from this disconnection.
The “Ism” Eras in Homo Deus
Harari identifies and examines different philosophical and ideological eras, or “isms,” that have shaped and will continue to shape human history in Homo Deus. These eras represent shifts in collective beliefs and values, further illustrating the concept of cultural burdens. Below are his theories on these eras.
- Animism
Animism is the belief that all entities—plants, animals, and inanimate objects—possess a spiritual essence. This worldview was predominant in ancient hunter-gatherer societies. Animism dictated how humans interacted with the natural world, perhaps imposing cultural burdens related to respecting and appeasing the spirits believed to inhabit all aspects of life. This belief system created a framework of rituals and taboos that guided daily activities and social organization.
IFS Perspective: The cultural burden of animism may manifest as a deep-seated respect and fear of the natural world, influencing how individuals interact with their environment. Legacy burdens from this era could include ancestral traumas related to survival, scarcity, and the need to appease powerful natural forces, potentially resulting in parts of the psyche that are overly cautious or superstitious.
- Theism
Theism emerged with the advent of more complex societies, characterized by the belief in powerful gods who governed the world. This era saw the rise of organized religions, which centralized spiritual authority and established elaborate doctrines and moral codes. Theism imposed cultural burdens in the form of religious laws, rituals, and hierarchies, shaping societal structures and individual behaviors. People were expected to conform to religious norms and practices to gain favor with the deities and ensure social cohesion.
IFS Perspective: The cultural burden of theism may manifest as internalized religious doctrines that dictate moral behavior, creating internal conflicts between parts that seek individual freedom and those that adhere to religious expectations. Legacy burdens might include guilt, shame, or fear of divine punishment passed down through generations, influencing parts of the psyche that are overly judgmental or self-critical. For example, Christianity has historically played a significant role in reinforcing cultural burdens tied to the Industrial Revolution, such as the valorization of hard work, duty, and sacrifice, often at the expense of individual well-being.
- Humanism
Humanism is the belief in the intrinsic value and agency of human beings. It emerged as a dominant ideology during the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of individual rights, personal freedoms, and the pursuit of happiness. Humanism places humans at the center of the universe, advocating that human experiences and emotions are the ultimate source of meaning. As a cultural burden, humanism has fostered a sense of individual responsibility and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, but it also creates pressure to achieve self-actualization and personal success.
IFS Perspective: The cultural burden of humanism may manifest as an intense focus on personal achievement and self-worth based on individual success. Legacy burdens could include a sense of inadequacy or fear of failure, with parts of the psyche driven to constantly prove their worth or protect against feelings of inferiority.
- Data-ism
Data-ism is an emerging ideology that Harari predicts will dominate the 21st century. It is the belief in the supremacy of data and algorithms in understanding and managing the world. In this era, information and data processing become the primary sources of authority, surpassing human intuition and traditional institutions. Data-ism suggests that the future will rely heavily on the ability to process vast amounts of data to make decisions, understand human behavior, and predict outcomes. This shift imposes new cultural burdens, as individuals and societies may increasingly value quantifiable data over subjective human experiences, leading to potential dehumanization and loss of individual agency.
IFS Perspective: The cultural burden of data-ism may manifest as a reliance on external data and algorithms to make decisions, potentially undermining personal intuition and human connection. Legacy burdens could include a sense of disconnection or alienation from one’s own emotions and experiences, with parts of the psyche becoming overly analytical or detached.
- Techno-Humanism
Techno-humanism is the idea that humans can and should enhance their capabilities through technology. This philosophy advocates for the use of biotechnologies, genetic engineering, and cybernetic enhancements to transcend biological limitations. As a cultural burden, techno-humanism raises ethical questions and societal pressures regarding what it means to be human, the pursuit of perfection, and the potential inequalities that could arise from differing access to enhancement technologies.
IFS Perspective: The cultural burden of techno-humanism may manifest as pressure to enhance oneself through technology, creating internal conflicts between parts that seek natural development and those that strive for technological perfection. Legacy burdens might include fears of obsolescence or inadequacy in the face of advancing technology, with parts of the psyche driven to constantly adapt and improve.
Information Networks: The Backbone of Human Cooperation and the Challenges Ahead
In his latest work, Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari delves into the critical role of information networks in facilitating large-scale human cooperation. Harari argues that information networks have been the foundation of human progress, enabling societies to coordinate complex activities, share knowledge, and maintain social cohesion. However, these networks also present significant challenges, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Necessity of Information Networks
- Historical Perspective
Harari’s Theory: Throughout history, information networks, such as writing, printing, and the internet, have been essential for organizing large-scale human societies. These networks allowed for the dissemination of laws, religious texts, scientific knowledge, and cultural norms, making it possible for millions of people to cooperate and coexist.
Cultural Impact: The creation and maintenance of information networks have shaped cultures, economies, and governmental structures. From the early scribes of ancient civilizations to the modern internet, these networks have been crucial in establishing societal norms and expectations.
- Modern Information Networks
Harari’s Theory: Today, digital information networks connect billions of people across the globe, facilitating unprecedented levels of communication and coordination. Social media, online databases, and instant communication tools have transformed how we interact, work, and govern.
Cultural Burden: While these networks have enhanced connectivity, they have also introduced new cultural burdens. The constant flow of information can lead to information overload, misinformation, and the erosion of privacy. The pressure to remain constantly connected and updated can contribute to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy.
The Pitfalls of Information Networks in the Age of AI
- Dependence and Vulnerability
Harari’s Theory: As societies become increasingly dependent on digital information networks, they also become more vulnerable to disruptions. Cyberattacks, system failures, and data breaches can have catastrophic consequences for individuals and organizations.
Cultural Burden: This dependency creates a cultural burden of insecurity and vulnerability. Individuals and societies must navigate the risks associated with digital dependence, including the potential for large-scale disruptions and the loss of control over personal information.
- Misinformation and Manipulation
Harari’s Theory: The spread of misinformation through digital networks can undermine social cohesion and trust. AI algorithms, designed to maximize engagement, can inadvertently promote sensational or false information, exacerbating social divisions.
Cultural Burden: The proliferation of misinformation contributes to a cultural burden of distrust and division. Individuals may struggle to discern truth from falsehood, leading to polarized communities and the erosion of shared realities.
- AI and Control
Harari’s Theory: The integration of AI into information networks raises concerns about control and autonomy. AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data and make decisions that impact millions of people, often without transparency or accountability.
Cultural Burden: The rise of AI introduces a cultural burden of powerlessness and ethical dilemmas. Individuals may feel that their lives are increasingly governed by opaque algorithms, leading to fears about autonomy and the potential for misuse of AI technology.
IFS Perspective on Information Network Based Cultural Burdens
From an IFS perspective, the burdens associated with modern information networks and AI are legacy burdens that impact individuals on a deep level. These burdens include:
- Overload and Anxiety
The constant barrage of information can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. We may carry or develop legacy burdens related to the pressure to stay informed and connected, which can manifest as stress and burnout.
- Trust and Misinformation
The challenge of navigating misinformation can lead to a legacy burden of distrust. Individuals may struggle with skepticism and fear, feeling uncertain about whom to trust and how to make informed decisions.
- Autonomy and Control
The influence of AI on personal and societal decisions can create a legacy burden of powerlessness. People may feel that they lack control over their lives, leading to anxiety and existential concerns about the future.
Legacy and Cultural Unburdening
Using IFS techniques, people, often with the help of a healing facilitator such as a psychotherapist, can identify and unburden themselves from these legacy and cultural burdens. By exploring our parts and understanding the historical and cultural contexts of their struggles, we can begin to heal and reconnect with our true selves. Here’s a brief protocol developed by IFS lead trainer Kay Gardner:
- Identify the Legacy or Cultural Burden
Explore any feelings of inadequacy, pressure, or disconnection and trace these back to potential ancestral sources linked to cultural or societal messaging.
- Whole and Well Ancestors
Welcome in a whole and well ancestor that existed before the cultural burden was present that is willing and able to help with this healing process.
- Witnessing
Witness, from your highest and most compassionate self, the ancestral experiences of the burden, acknowledging the societal and cultural shifts and pressures that have been experienced and passed down. Whole and well ancestors can be included in this process of witnessing.
- Unburdening
Symbolically return the burden to the source, whether it’s an ancestral figure or a cultural practice, and invite in qualities of self-acceptance, intrinsic worth, and connection to nature or a higher power.
- Integration
Integrate these new qualities into your life, breaking the cycle of legacy and cultural burdens and fostering a sense of wholeness and connection.
By understanding and unburdening these deep-seated cultural and legacy burdens, we can free ourselves from the constraints of historical pressures and move towards a more balanced and authentic existence. This process not only heals us individually but also contributes to a collective shift towards more healthy, nurturing, and sustainable societal norms and values.
For a more complete understanding of legacy and cultural burdens and how to work with them in therapy, I recommend reviewing the work of IFS therapist and trainer Kay Gardner. A great starting point would be her interview on Tammy Sollenberger’s podcast The One Inside.
Limitations and Criticisms
Harari’s assertions about human history and how I’ve used his assertions in tandem with IFS concepts do have limitations and are fallible. For instance, the democratic principles observed among Native American communities influenced early European settlers and, in some part, informed the democratic ideals that would shape the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This historical legacy of democracy reveals a richness in animistic societies often overlooked by analyses that position them as “simpler” or “less evolved.” Notably, critiques such as those found in Graeber and Wengrow’s The Dawn of Everything counter Harari’s interpretation in Sapiens by presenting evidence from the Native American archaeological record, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of these societies. Such complexity invites a reassessment of the structures, philosophies, and governance systems that have evolved in various cultural contexts, particularly those Harari’s narrative may have oversimplified.
Another notable exclusion from this article are the legacy gifts and heirlooms afforded by different cultures and technological advancements throughout history. For example, animistic cultures offer legacy gifts that foster connection to Self and support parts in their journey toward healing. The animistic sense of interconnectedness can nurture attunement with all parts, encouraging them to feel less isolated and more supported within the whole system. Animistic reverence for nature’s spirits also parallels IFS’s respect for each part’s unique voice and purpose, promoting a curious, nonjudgmental stance deeply aligned with Self energy. Rituals for releasing burdens, common in animistic traditions, provide symbolic pathways for parts to let go of past pains. Additionally, practices like dance, drumming, and chanting bring parts into somatic awareness, allowing them to feel seen, heard, and grounded in the body. Finally, animistic cultures often embrace a sense of collective healing, where each individual’s wellbeing impacts the community; this relational accountability can foster a part’s sense of responsibility not only for its own healing but for the harmony of the whole internal system, connecting each part to a broader legacy of relational care and communal support.
Conclusion
The intersection of IFS concepts, particularly legacy and cultural burdens, with Harari’s ideas in Sapiens, Homo Deus, and Nexus can provide a useful framework for understanding ourselves both personally and collectively.
These concepts can serve as starting points—known in IFS as trailheads—for compassionately witnessing, understanding, and unburdening the powerlessness, shame, terror, and disconnection held by our parts. These burdens may not stem from our own personal experiences but rather from those of our ancestors or others connected to us through cultural or societal affiliation.
By recognizing our shared narratives, historical traumas, and philosophical eras that shape us and our communities, we can better address the emotional and psychological impacts they have. This integrated perspective can deepen our understanding of the past and present and prepare us to navigate the complexities of the future.
For feedback and comments, I can be reached at max@maxlittman.com.
I provide private practice mentorship, consultation, and therapist/practitioner part intensives.
